State of equilibrium among agonistic behaviour patterns in a group of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata)

The degree of aggressive intensity, the degree of contest asymmetry and the development of conciliatory patterns were studied in a captive group of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). The state of equilibrium among these components varied according to relatedness of interacting individuals, the observed variations being analogous to those found in interspecific comparisons. It is concluded that the relations linking these components result from epigenetic processes which govern the emergence of a social organization.