Primate Behavior Flashcards

Flashcards based on primate behavior lecture notes.

According to Kleiber's Law, how does energy requirement relate to body size in primates?

Larger animals are more energy-efficient and require less energy per unit of body mass.

What is the main purpose of social behavior in primate groups?

To mediate cooperation among competitors for survival and reproduction.

Which primate group exhibits strict seasonal breeding patterns, sometimes only breeding once a year?

Lemurs

What does the Resource Defense Hypothesis suggest about female primate grouping?

They are driven to group living to defend food resources collaboratively.

How do larger primate species meet their high food quantity needs?

By consuming more abundant but lower-quality foods like leaves.

Give an example of a behavioral adaptation related to food acquisition found in primates.

Dexterity and tool use

What is the main cost associated with group living among primates?

Increased competition for food

Which metabolic rate principle explains why small primates need more energy per unit of body mass?

MSMR (Mass-Specific Metabolic Rate)

What is a primary characteristic of primate sociality?

All primates are social, but not all are gregarious.

Explain the Jarman-Bell Principle.

Larger animals can afford to eat low-quality, abundant foods.

What is the term for the reproductive strategy in which one male mates with multiple females?

Polygyny

What behavior most commonly establishes and maintains social bonds in primate societies?

Grooming

What is the primary function of sacculated stomachs in primates?

Enhancing digestion of fibrous plant material

What is a typical characteristic of female philopatry in primate societies?

Females remain in their natal groups

Which social structure involves multiple males and multiple females living together?

Multi-male/multi-female group

Which primate is known for its tool use to crack nuts open?

Capuchins

Which principle suggests that larger animals are more energy-efficient than smaller ones?

Kleiber’s Law

What is a key factor influencing dietary variation among primates?

Body size

What term identifies the dietary strategy of consuming both animal prey and fruit?

Omnivory

Give an example of a behavior commonly observed in multi-male/multi-female primate groups?

High levels of competition among males

Describe scramble competition.

Indirect competition where resources are used up before others can access them

What is a primary reason for cooperative hunting in some primates?

Enhanced capture efficiency

What is the most common reproductive strategy in tamarins and marmosets?

Polyandry

In which mating system do males compete intensely for access to a group of females?

One-male group

Which type of competition is most likely to occur when resources are clumped and defensible?

Contest competition

What principle underlies kin selection as a driver of cooperation among primates?

Altruistic behaviors increase when individuals share genes.

Under what conditions is reciprocal altruism most likely to occur in primates?

There is a high frequency of social interactions with memory and trust.

What is a benefit of non-kin cooperation among primates?

Increased reproductive success

What is the primary advantage of multilevel selection in primate social structures?

Balances selection at both individual and group levels.

What role does grooming play in primate social structures?

Reinforces social bonds and alliances

Which of the following is a key concept in understanding primate cooperation?

Reciprocal altruism

Which primate species is well known for forming coalitions during intergroup conflicts?

Chimpanzees

How does multilevel selection benefit cooperative groups?

It allows cooperative groups to outperform selfish ones.

What type of social bond is most likely to promote long-term cooperation?

Kin-based bond

In primates, what typically drives male dispersal from natal groups?

Mate competition

Which primate social system typically involves one female mating with multiple males?

Polyandry

What is the primary adaptive function of infanticide in some male primates?

Increasing male reproductive opportunities

What is a typical feature of fission-fusion societies?

Group members frequently splitting and rejoining

What behavior is commonly used by primates to reduce social tension?

Grooming

What strategy do female primates often use to increase offspring survival?

Cooperative breeding

In which scenario is reciprocal altruism most likely to evolve?

Long-term social relationships with repeated interactions

Which of the following best exemplifies mutualism in primates?

Two individuals grooming each other simultaneously

What is a primary factor in the evolution of social intelligence in primates?

Navigating complex social relationships

Which reproductive strategy results in high levels of male-male competition?

Polygyny

Which factor most significantly influences the frequency of coalition formation among primates?

Kinship

How do primates typically respond to the death of a close group member?

Increased grooming and social cohesion

What is the evolutionary benefit of strong social bonds among female primates?

Enhanced offspring survival

Which primate species is known for forming male alliances to control access to females?

Baboons

What is the primary role of vocal communication in primates?

Strengthening social bonds

What is the primary reason for conflict resolution mechanisms in primate societies?

Maintaining social cohesion