Within-species differences in primate social structure: evolution of plasticity and phylogenetic constraints |
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Authors: | Colin A Chapman Jessica M Rothman |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Anthropology, McGill School of Environment, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 2T7, Canada;(2) Wildlife Conservation Society, 185th Street and Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, USA;(3) McGill School of Environment, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2T7, Canada;(4) Department of Anthropology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA;(5) New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology (NYCEP), New York, NY, USA |
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Abstract: | Primate socioecological studies have attempted to derive general frameworks using the average behavioural traits of species
or genera to place them into categories. However, with the accumulation of primate studies, it is timely to place more emphasis
on understanding within-species variation in social structure. In this review we have four objectives. First, we examine within-species
variation in the potential determinants of social structure, including diet, demography, predation and infanticide, and document
considerable variation. Second, we present case studies of within-species variation in social structure to illustrate the
potential magnitude of this variation. For example, there are cases within a single interbreeding population where multi-male,
uni-male, fission–fusion and monogamous groups are found. Third, by examining widespread primate lineages that occur in a
variety of habitats, we note that there are differences in the magnitude of variation in social structures across different
lineages and as a result we consider phylogenetic constraints on phenotypic variation in social structure. Finally, we reflect
on the implications of extensive variation in social structure. We suggest that primate social structure will represent a
combination of adaptation to present-day environment and phylogenetic inertia. To advance our understanding of the relative
contribution of phylogeny versus ecology we propose two approaches. One approach is to compare groups in the same interbreeding
population that inhabit different ecological conditions. Any differences that are found can be attributed to ecological differences,
since phylogeny should not play a role within a single population. The second approach is to study distantly related species
that have similar social structures to illustrate how similar ecological pressures might be operating to select for parallel
social structures. |
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Keywords: | Socioecology Feeding competition Phylogeny Mating systems Social structure Phenotypic plasticity |
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