Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Primate Mating Systems and Their Consequences for Captive Management

  • Conference paper
Book cover Primates

Part of the book series: Proceedings in Life Sciences ((LIFE SCIENCES))

Abstract

Excluding Homo sapiens, the living primates account for about 182 species (after Napier and Napier, 1967; Kavanagh, 1983). They are confined to tropical and subtropical forests and savannas of Africa, Asia, and America; they live as solitary individuals or in social groups; and they employ a variety of mating strategies, each a product of selection that maximizes reproductive success. However, the mating relationship yielding maximal success is not necessarily the same for both sexes. In many species, males attempt to fertilize as many females as possible while females try to monopolize the male and the resources he can contribute to her reproductive effort. The result is often a fundamental conflict of interests (Wittenberger, 1981).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Alexander RD (1974) The evolution of social behavior. Ann Rev Ecol Syst 5: 325–383.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Altmann SA (1974) Baboons, space, time and energy. Amer Zool 14: 221–248.

    Google Scholar 

  • Altmann SA, Wagner SS, Lenington S (1977) Two models for the evolution of polygyny. Behav Ecol Sociolbiol 2: 397–410.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bachmann C, Kummer H (1980) Male assessment of female choice in hamadryas baboons. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 6: 315–321.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ballou JD (1984) Strategies for maintaining genetic diversity in captive populations through reproductive technology. Zool Biol 3: 311–324.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bertram BCR (1978) Living in groups: predators and prey. In: Krebs JR, Davies NB (eds) Behavioural ecology: an evolutionary approach. Blackwell, Oxford, pp 64–96.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bradbury JR, Vehrencamp SL (1977) Social organization and foraging in emballonurid bats. III. Mating systems. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2: 1–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown JL (1982) Optimal group size in territorial animals. J Theor Biol 95: 793–810.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Caraco T (1979a) Time budgeting and group size: a theory. Ecology 60: 611–617.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Caraco T (1979b) Time budgeting and group size: a test of theory. Ecology 60: 618–627.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Caraco T, Pulliam HR (1984) Sociality and survivorship in animals exposed to predation. In: Price PW (ed) New ecology: novel approaches to interactive systems. Wiley, New York, pp 280–309.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clutton-Brock TH, Harvey PH (1977) Primate ecology and social organization. J Zool London 183: 1–39.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clutton-Brock TH, Harvey PH (1978) Mammals, resources and reproductive strategies. Nature 273: 191–195.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Crook JH (1972) Sexual selection, dimorphism, and social organization in the primates. In: Campbell BG (ed) Sexual selection and the descent of man, 1871–1971. Aldine, Chicago, pp 231–0281.

    Google Scholar 

  • Curio E, Ernst U, Vieth W (1978) The adaptive significance of avian mobbing. Z Tierpsych 48: 184–202.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dixson AFG, Everitt GF, Herbert J, Rugman SM, Scrutton DM (1973) Hormonal and other determinants of sexual attractiveness and receptivity in rhesus and talapoin monkeys. In: Phoenix CH (ed) Primate reproductive behavior. Symposia of the 4th International Congress of Primatology, vol. 2. Karger, Basel, pp 36–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Drickamer LC (1974) Social rank, observability, and sexual behaviour of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatto). J Reprod Fert 37: 117–120.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dunbar R (1984) The ecology of monogamy. New Sci 103: 12–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dunbar R (1985) Stress is a good contraceptive. New Sci 105: 16–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duvall SW, Bernstein IS, Gordon TP (1976) Paternity and status in a rhesus monkey group. J Reprod Fert 47: 25–31.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Eaton GG (1973) Social and endocrine determinants of sexual behavior in simian and prosimian females. In: Phoenix CH (ed) Primate reproductive behavior. Symposia of the 4th International Primatology Congress. Karger, Basel, pp 20–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eisenberg JF, Muckenhirn NA, Rudran R (1972) The relation between ecology and social structure in primates. Science 176: 863–874.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Emlen ST, Oring LW (1977) Ecology, sexual selection and the evolution of mating systems. Science 197: 215–223.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Evans S, Hodges JK (1984) Reproductive status of adult daughters in family groups of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus jacchus). Folia Primatol 42: 127–133.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Foose TJ (1981) Demographic problems and management in captive populations. Proc AAZPA Annual Conf 1980: 46–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Foose TJ (1983) The relevance of captive populations to the conservation of biotic diversity. In: Schonewald-Cox CM, Chambers SM, MacBryde B, Thomas WL (eds) Genetics and conservation: a reference for managing wild animal and plant populations. Benjamin/Cummings, Menlo Park, CA, pp 374–401.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fretwell SD (1972) Populations in a seasonal environment. Monogr Pop Biol 5: 1–219.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gouzoules S (1984) Primate mating systems, kin associations, and cooperative behavior: Evidence for kin recognition? Yrbk Phys Anthrol 27: 99–134.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gowaty PA (1983) Male parental care and apparent monogamy among eastern bluebirds (,Sialia sialis). Amer Nat 121: 149–157.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gowaty PA, Karlin A A (1984) Multiple maternity and paternity in single broods of apparently monogamous eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 15: 91–95.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Graul WD, Derrickson SR, Mock D (1977) The evolution of avian polyandry. Amer Nat 111: 812–816.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hall KRL (1968) Behaviour and ecology of the wild petas monkey, Erythrvcebus patas, in Uganda. In: Joy P (ed) Primates: studies in adaptation and variability. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, New York, pp 31–121.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamilton WD (1971) Geometry for the selfish herd. J Theoret Biol 31: 295–311.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harding RSO, Olson DK (1985) Male mating strategies in patas monkeys. Amer J Phys Anthro 66: 179 (Abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hausfater G (1975) Dominance and reproduction in baboons (Papio cynocephalus). Contrib Primatol 7: 1–150.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hrdy SB (1976) Care and exploitation of nonhuman primate infants by conspecifics other than the mother. Adv Study Behav 6: 101–158.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Innis GS, Balph MH, Balph DF (1985) On spatial requirements of captive social animals. Anim Behav 33 (2): 680–682.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jenni DA (1974) Evolution of polyandry in birds. Amer Zool 14: 129–144.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jolly A (1972) The evolution of primate behavior. Macmillan, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kavanagh M (1983) A complete guide to monkeys, apes and other primates. Viking, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kleiman DG (1977) Monogamy in mammals. Quart Rev Biol 52: 39–69.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kleiman DG (1980) The sociobiology of captive propagation0. In: Soule ME, Wilcox BA (eds) Conservation biology: an evolutionary-ecological perspective. Sinauer, Sunderland, MA, pp 243–262.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kleiman DG, Malcolm JR (1981) The evolution of male parental investment in mammals. In: Gubernick DJ, Klopfer PH (eds) Parental care in mammals. Plenum, New York, pp 347–387.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kruuk H (1964) Predators and antipredator behaviour of the black-headed Gull. Behaviour Supplement 11: 1–127.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kummer H (1968) Social organization of hamadryas baboons: a field study. University of Chicago Press, Chicago.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kummer H (1971) Primate societies. Aldine-Atherton, Chicago.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lasley BL, Lindburg DG, Robinson PT, Bernirschke K (1981) Captive breeding of exotic species. J Zoo An Med 12: 67–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lindburg DG (1975) Mate selection in rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatto). Amer J Phys Anthro 42: 315 (Abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mitchell G (1969) Paternalistic behavior in primates. Psych Bull 71: 399–417.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mitchell G, Brandt EM (1972) Paternal behavior in primates. In: Poirier FE (ed) Primate socialization. Random House, New York, pp 48–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Murton RK (1967) The significance of endocrine stress in population control. Ibis 109: 622–623.

    Google Scholar 

  • Napier JR, Napier PH (1967) A handbook of living primates. Academic, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olson DK (1985) The importance of female choice in the mating system of wild patas monkeys. Amer J Phys Anthro 66: 211 (Abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Packer C (1979) Male dominance and reproductive activity in Papio anubis. Anim Behav 27: 37–45.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Paloheimo JE (1971) A stochastic theory of search: implications for predator-prey situations. Math Biosci 12: 105–132.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Preuschoft H, Chivers DJ, Brockelman WY, Creel N (1985) The lesser apes. Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pulliam HR (1973) On the advantages of flocking. J Theoret Biol 38: 419–422.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pulliam HR, Caraco T (1983) Living in groups: is there an optimal group size? In: Krebs JR, Davies NB (eds) Behavioural ecology: an evolutionary approach, 2nd ed. Sinauer, Sunderland, MA, pp 122–147.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pulliam HR, Mills GS (1977) The use of space by sparrows. Ecology 58: 1393–1399.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ralls K (1977) Sexual dimorphism in mammals: avian models and unanswered questions. Amer Natur 111: 917–938.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rasmussen JL, Tilson RL (1984) Food provisioning by adult maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus). Z Tierpsychol 65: 346–352.

    Google Scholar 

  • Redican WK (1976) Adult male-infant interactions in nonhuman primates. In: Lamb ME (ed) Role of the father in child development. Wiley, New York, pp 345–385.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rose RM, Holaday JW, Bernstein IS (1971) Plasma testosterone, dominance rank and aggressive behaviour in male rhesus monkeys. Nature 231: 366–368.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rutberg AT (1983) The evolution of monogamy in primates. J Theor Biol 104: 93–112.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Selander RK (1972) Sexual selection and dimorphism in birds. In: Campbell BG (ed) Sexual selection and the descent of man, 1871–1971. Aldine, Chicago, pp 180–230.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seyfarth RM (1978) Social relationships among adult male and female baboons. I. Behaviour during sexual consortship. Behaviour 64: 204–226.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Siegfried WR, Underhill LR (1975) Flocking as an anti-predator strategy in doves. Anim Behav 23: 504–508.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith DG (1982) Use of genetic markers in the colony management of nonhuman primates: a review. Lab Anim Sci 32: 540–546.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stacey P (1982) Female promiscuity and male reproductive success in social birds and mammals. Amer Nat 120: 51–64.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stern BR, Smith DG (1984) Sexual behaviour and paternity in three captive groups of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatto). Anim Behav 32: 23–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stricklin WR, Graves HB, Wilson LL (1979) Some theoretical and observed relationships of fixed and portable spacing behavior of animals. Appl Anim Ethol 5: 201–214.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sussman RW (1985) Communal breeding among the Callitrichidae and its adaptive significance. Amer J Phys Anthro 66 (2): 236 (Abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Tilson RL (1981) Family formation strategies in Kloss’s gibbons. Folia Primatol 35: 259–287.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Treisman M (1975) Predation and the evolution of gregariousness. Anim Behav 23: 801–825.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Trivers RL (1972) Parental investment and sexual selection. In: Campbell BG (ed) Sexual selection and the descent of man, 1871–1971. Aldine, Chicago, pp 136–179.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vine I (1971) Risk of visual detection and pursuit by a predator and the selective advantage of flocking behavior. J Theoret Biol 30: 405–422.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wasser SK, Barash DF (1983) Reproductive suppression among female mammals: implications for biomedicine and sexual selection theory. Quart Rev Biol 58: 513–537.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wasser PM, Jones WT (1983) Natal philopatry among solitary mammals. Quart Rev Biol 58: 355–390.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams GC (1966) Adaptation and natural selection. Princeton University Press, Princeton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wittenberger JF (1979) The evolution of mating systems in birds and mammals. In: Marler P, Vandenbergh J (eds) Handbook of behavioral neurobiology: social behavior and communication. Plenum, New York, pp 271–349.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wittenberger JF (1980) Group size and polygamy in social mammals. Amer Nat 115: 197–222.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wittenberger JF (1981) Animal social behavior. Duxburg, Boston.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wittenberger JF, Tilson RL (1980) The evolution of monogamy: hypotheses and evidence. Amer Rev Ecol Syst 11: 197–232.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wrangham R (1981) An ecological model of female-bonded primate groups. Behaviour 75: 269–299.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wright PC (1985) What do monogamous primates have in common? Amer J Phys Anthro 66: 244 (Abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Zeveloff SI, Boyce MSC (1980) Parental investment and mating systems in mammals. Evolution 34: 973–982.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. Ronald L. Tilson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Zoological Society of San Diego, 92112, San Diego, California, USA

    Kurt Benirschke M.D. (Trustee, Professor of Pathology and Reproductive Medicine) (Trustee, Professor of Pathology and Reproductive Medicine)

  2. University of California, 92093, La Jolla, California, USA

    Kurt Benirschke M.D. (Trustee, Professor of Pathology and Reproductive Medicine) (Trustee, Professor of Pathology and Reproductive Medicine)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1986 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

About this paper

Cite this paper

Tilson, R.L. (1986). Primate Mating Systems and Their Consequences for Captive Management. In: Benirschke, K. (eds) Primates. Proceedings in Life Sciences. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-4918-4_28

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-4918-4_28

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-9360-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4612-4918-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation