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In a primate where there is no monogamy the burden of raising children is on the women. What does that tell you about single mothers?
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| "It does seem to be relatively widespread in primates (we have a paper just out online in International Journal of Primatology showing it occurs in wild golden-backed uacaris)," biologist Gareth Jones of the University of Bristol in England wrote in an e-mail to LiveScience. "The exciting thing is that scientists are now exploring potential evolutionary reasons for its occurrence." Besides uacaris, masturbatory behavior has been studied in rhesus monkeys, gray-cheeked mangabeys monkeys, colobus monkeys, Japanese macaques and other animals. "It does seem to be relatively widespread in primates (we have a paper just out online in International Journal of Primatology showing it occurs in wild golden-backed uacaris)," biologist Gareth Jones of the University of Bristol in England wrote in an e-mail to livescience.com "The exciting thing... is that scientists are now exploring potential evolutionary reasons for its occurrence." Besides uacaris, masturbatory behavior has been studied in rhesus monkeys, gray-cheeked mangabeys monkeys, colobus monkeys, Japanese macaques and other animals. via noahdavidsimon's posterous |
................Here is some background into the researcher:
My own interest in bonobos came not from an inherent
fascination with their charms but from research on
aggressive behavior in primates. I was particularly
intrigued with the aftermath of conflict. After two
chimpanzees have fought, for instance, they may come
together for a hug and mouth-to-mouth kiss. Assuming that
such reunions serve to restore peace and harmony, I labeled
them reconciliations.
Any species that combines close bonds with a potential for
conflict needs such conciliatory mechanisms. Thinking how much faster marriages would break up if people had no way of compensating for hurting each other, I set out to investigate such mechanisms in several primates, including
bonobos. Although I expected to see peacemaking in these apes, too, I was little prepared for the form it would take.
sexual activity is the bonobo's
answer to avoiding conflict.
If a male bonobo tried to harass a female, all females would band together to chase him off. Because females appeared more successful in dominating males when they were together than on their own, their close association and frequent genital rubbing may represent an alliance. Females may bond so as to outcompete members of the individually stronger sex. via songweaver.com
the reason is because the females want power. right?
is it all right to ask that question?
