Grooming and coalitions in Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata): Partner choice and the time frame reciprocation
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2007 |
Authors: |
Gabriele Schino, Eugenia Polizzi di Sorrentino, Barbara Tiddi |
Publication/Journal: |
Journal of Comparative Psychology |
Keywords: |
*choice behavior, agonistic behavior, altruism, coalitions, grooming, macaca fuscata, partner choice, reciprocal altruism |
ISBN: |
0735-7036 |
Abstract:
Evidence of a reciprocal exchange of grooming and agonistic support in primates is mixed. In this study, the authors analyzed a large database of grooming and coalitions in captive female Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) to investigate their within-group distribution and temporal relations. Macaques groomed preferentially those individuals that groomed them most and supported preferentially those individuals that supported them most. They also supported preferentially those individuals that groomed them most and groomed preferentially those individuals that supported them most. These results were not explained by covariation of grooming and support with third variables such as kinship, rank, or time spent in proximity. However, receiving grooming did not increase the short-term probability of supporting a partner, and being supported did not increase the short-term probability of grooming a partner. The proximate mechanisms underlying the exchange of services were discussed in relation to the time frame of the behavioral choices made by the monkeys.