Primates, Behavior And Dominance In Anthropology

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Primates are a big topic in anthropology that is crucial for us to learn and study about. Anthropologists study primates from an evolutionary viewpoint as well as an ecological viewpoint, focusing mainly on their behaviors, their natural environment, and their psychological traits. Behavior is known to be evolved from the operation of natural selection. Behavioral genetics is how genes can affect our behavior, which can viewed as a product of complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Social structure influences individual behavior, which can blur the distinctions between social and individual behavior. There are many factors that influence social structure, including body size, basal metabolic rate, diet, distribution …show more content…

There are dominance hierarchies, which are a certain degree order by establishing parameters of individual behavior and aggression is used frequently to increase an animals status within a group. Dominant animals do not give into confrontations, but are given priority by others. Increased reproductive success of high ranking animals is one primary benefit of dominance, according to some primatologists. Males are typically dominant to females in organized species groups. Dominance is indicated by gestures and behavior and all primates learn their hierarchy position. Communication is used throughout every primate and animal and it includes any behaviors, scents, and autonomic responses. Communication is used to indicate submission, reassurance, or amicable intentions. Vocalizations are used as a form of communication to inform others of predator or food presence. Social living would not be possible without communication. Aggression is very common with primates, especially for competition of resources, such as mating partners or food. Competition between makes usually results in injury or death while competition between females results in chasing the subordinates away or taking their food. Certain amount of aggression does help keep groups in order and to protect each other from group or individual resources. Physical contact is one of the most important factors in primate development. Not all primates are

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