A Phylogenetic Perspective for Social Behavior in Primates

Three selected groups of studies of primate social behavior and development are discussed. In the first group of studies the social development of rhesus monkeys reared in different environments is considered. Rhesus show remarkable similarity in behavior in diverse environments, demonstrating a phylogenetic set, to develop species-typical behavioral repertoires. The second set of studies reports on three species (Macaca mulatta, Macaca fasicularis, and Erythrocebus patas) reared in similar settings. Species differences observed in these settings were a result of phylogenetic set. Finally, mother-infant separation studies conducted with several monkey species are reviewed. The results of these studies were interpreted to be the product of interactions of the species-typical behavior and social organization of each species, the specific setting or apparatus used, and the independent variable manipulation employed. Caution is recommended in cross-species generalization within primates.