Gestural forms of communication in primates. I. Development of gestural forms of communication in ontogenesis and phylogenesis

The gestural and tactile forms of communication using arms among the young and adult specimen of lower monkeys of subfamily Cercopithecoidea and higher monkeys of subfamily Hominioidea have been investigated. It has been concluded that gestures are the new form of phylogenesis in comparison with the contact patterns, their development is generally connected with the aggressive behaviour. The growing differentiation of gestures connected with the transition from participation of the whole arm to the leading role of the hand and finger gestures has been determined. The frequency of gestures is closely connected with the species structural organization and ecology.