Sex differences in diet and foraging behavior in white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) |
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Authors: | Lisa M Rose |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Anthropology, University of Alberta, T6G 2H4 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
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Abstract: | I examined sex differences in diet and foraging behavior in two groups of white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus)in a tropical dry forest at Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica. I tested three hypotheses: sex differences in diet and foraging
behavior are best explained by (1) sexual dimorphism, (2) the energy demands of pregnancy and lactation for females;and (3) avoidance of competition between the sexes. Sexual dimorphism offered the best explanation of sex differences in the
diet and foraging behavior of C. capucinus,accurately predicting that males do more strenuous foraging activity, make less use of small foraging supports, and spend
more time on or near the ground. Females spent more time foraging than males did but probably obtained a lower protein yield
per unit foraging time. Females exploited more small and embedded invertebrates, while males ate more large invertebrates
and vertebrate prey. Pregnant and lactating females spent more time resting and less time foraging than other females did,
increasing their foraging return by focusing on foods requiring little handling. There was little evidence of competition
avoidance between the sexes. |
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Keywords: | Cebus sex differences foraging sexual dimorphism |
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