Induced Cooperation to Access a Shareable Reward Increases the Hierarchical Segregation of Wild Vervet Monkeys Partner Choice in Cooperating Vervet Monkeys
2011

Cooperation in Wild Vervet Monkeys

Sample size: 46 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Riccardo Pansini

Primary Institution: Université de Strasbourg, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, Strasbourg, France

Hypothesis

How does cooperation affect the social structure of wild vervet monkeys?

Conclusion

The study found that cooperation among vervet monkeys led to increased hierarchical segregation based on dominance rank.

Supporting Evidence

  • Monkeys preferred to cooperate with others of similar rank.
  • Cooperation increased social segregation among the monkeys.
  • Dominance rank influenced partner choice during cooperation.

Takeaway

Vervet monkeys like to work with others who are similar in rank when sharing food, and they don't always choose their family members.

Methodology

Field experiments were conducted with three groups of wild vervet monkeys to observe their cooperation in accessing food.

Potential Biases

Potential observer bias due to human presence during the experiments.

Limitations

The study was limited to three groups of vervet monkeys in a specific location, which may not represent all vervet populations.

Participant Demographics

Three groups of vervet monkeys, with varying numbers of males and females, including adults and juveniles.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0021993

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