| Abstract: | A group of rhesus monkeys, consisting of 8 matrilines of up to 4 generations each and 9 unrelated adult males, was studied for 2 yrs. Group size varied between 75 and 91 individuals. Data collection consisted of ad lib recording of agonistic interactions. Results indicate that adult male interference in agonistic episodes was strongly biased against adolescent and adult male participants, whereas adult female interference was biased in favor of kin and in support of younger animals against older animals. Although natal males also were biased in favor of their kin, their selective targeting of sexually mature males was independent of kinship. Adolescent males targeted adult males, but only in defense of kin. It is suggested that this selective interference against adolescent and adult males by adult males has the potential to profoundly modify male agonistic participation in intragroup encounters after puberty. Because female support is influenced primarily by kinship, females less consistently interfere against male agonistic participants. Adult males may therefore play an important role in the socialization of male agonistic expression. (12 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
