Non Human Primate Reproductive Strategies
A key element in the life of any individual is to be able to reproduce. Nonhuman primates number only 250 species but display great diversity in grouping patterns. We call some of these types of groupings a one male polygyny or monogamy. However, the main focus today is that these primates have evolved different strategies, behavioral and ecological, to cop with the need to balance limited food supplies while avoiding predators with intensions of mating and or harming their offspring. It has been assumed that in order for male primates to reach mating success, they must have to take on the task of always being present to the female and her offspring’s. I believe that I will argue that monogamy and one male polygyny are different yet both useful mating strategies. Then I will conclude that both mating systems have their own way of living, with special roles and circumstances despite the fact that they are both unique. The goal of my research begins by clarifying the different types of mating systems like monogamy and polygyny and then by looking into the intriguing issue of how primates choose their mates.
Monogamy is best understood as a female reproductive strategy. Monogamy is a female reproductive strategy because monogamous female primates establish and hold territories and within the territories a single male and attaches herself to him, almost like a married couple. First, the female must except accepts the company of the male. The monogamous "family" consists of one adult female, one male, and their offspring. Nonhuman primates that are monogamous tend to mate for life and are usually highly territorial. Gibbons and Indris are both typical of monogamous primates. In each case, these species are highly vocal and use loud calls to warn others that they "own" a territory. Therefore, the male accepts the responsibilities and there is a change in balance between infant requirements and energy costs to the mother (G. Parker 1983). The male may most likely
Monogamy is best understood as a female reproductive strategy. Monogamy is a female reproductive strategy because monogamous female primates establish and hold territories and within the territories a single male and attaches herself to him, almost like a married couple. First, the female must except accepts the company of the male. The monogamous "family" consists of one adult female, one male, and their offspring. Nonhuman primates that are monogamous tend to mate for life and are usually highly territorial. Gibbons and Indris are both typical of monogamous primates. In each case, these species are highly vocal and use loud calls to warn others that they "own" a territory. Therefore, the male accepts the responsibilities and there is a change in balance between infant requirements and energy costs to the mother (G. Parker 1983). The male may most likely
References: 1. Allen, J. C., Schaffler, W. M. & Rosko, D. 1993. Sexual conflict in the house sparrow: interference between polygynously mated females versus asymmetric male investment. Behavioral Ecol. Sociobiol. Cambridge University Press. 2. Hoglund, J. 1995. Sexual selection’s effects on primate life-history and the pattern of male mortality. San Fransisco, CA: Freeman. 3. Parker, G. A. 1983. Mate Quality and Mating Decisions. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts.