Chest Color and Social Status in Male Geladas (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Theropithecus gelada</Emphasis>) |
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Authors: | Thore J Bergman Lucy Ho Jacinta C Beehner |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Psychology and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;(2) Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;(3) Department of Psychology and Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA |
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Abstract: | Conspicuous colored patches on animals often serve as sexually selected signals that advertise male quality. Such colored
traits facilitate assessment of risks associated with a specific contest or benefits associated with a specific mate choice.
Here, we investigate whether a colored patch of skin on the chests of male geladas (Theropithecus gelada) is a sexually selected signal. Specifically, we examine the relationship between color (redness), social status (a proxy
for reproductive success), and age. We use observational data from known individuals from a population of wild geladas living
in Ethiopia. We digitally quantified chest color using a previously-validated method for measuring color under field conditions.
Results from this study are consistent with the hypothesis that redness is a quality signal in males. Baseline color correlates
with status even when controlling for age. Indeed, males with redder chests were members of “better” groups: 1) leader males—the
only males with reproductive access to females—had the reddest chests, and 2) within leader males, males with large units
(>6 females) had redder chests than males with small units. At present, we are unable to address whether male chest color
is directed at potential rivals or mates. Nevertheless, our data support the hypothesis that quality signals should prevail
in large, fluid groups, where it is unlikely that individuals recognize all other group members. If individual recognition
is limited in gelada society, this would favor the evolution of alternative means of assessment for making reproductive decisions. |
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