Frances D. Burton

A drift in time can define a deme: The implications of tradition drift in primate societies for hominid evolution

Abstract Recent primatological studies have focussed on ecology or genetics as causal in the formation of the behavior pool of a non-human primate population. However, some authorities have documented the phenormenon of personality and the differences between personality in influencing the emphasis or direction of certain behavior units within the larger pool, while the data from the Japanese Monkey Center in particular, stresses the significance of innovation in expanding the repertoire of the behavior pool. The authors introduce the concept “tradition drift” as a further explanation for shifts in behavior between demes of the same species. Analogous to genetic drift, the concept suggests that differences between demes may arise through behavioral founder effect, local innovation or the influence of individual personality. The adaptive value of the behavioral shift would enhance its acceptance. The concept has value not only in affording another tool of analysis of contemporary non-human primate groups, but also in its application to human evolution and the analysis of the contribution of behavioral process to hominization.

Chemical Analysis of Soils of Kowloon (Hong Kong) Eaten by Hybrid Macaques

Geophagy, the deliberate act of eating soil, has been observed in various primate species, although the reasons for this behavior are poorly understood. The present study supports the general hypothesis that the physical and/or chemical nature of the soil is a likely reason for geophagy in hybrid macaque monkeys of Kowloon, Hong Kong. Samples were taken from areas where macaques were seen to be eating soil and from areas where there was no evidence of geophagy. Samples that were refused by the macaques were also obtained. Soils were analyzed for the following chemical and physical properties: soil pH, cation exchange capacity, organically bound and inorganic crystalline and poorly crystalline Fe and Al, organic carbon, acid extractable elements, particle size, and soil mineralogy. The study supports a hypothesis that the monkeys are using visual cues to choose preferentially soils for ingestion. More frequently they chose fine-textured soils that were higher in Fe and Al oxides. We speculate that these properties are sought to aid in digestive processes.

Demography ofMacaca sylvanus of Gibraltar

The demographic structure ofMacaca sylvanus (Gibraltar) is analyzed over a 21 year period in light of human interference on this population. Social behaviour is examined in terms of its influence on the parameters investigated. The findings lead to speculations concerning the nature of homeostatic processes operating in a non-wild group.

Birth Intervals inM. sylvanus of Gibraltar

The length of the birth interval inMacaca sylvanus of Gibraltar was defined and one-year intervals were found to be normative. The effect of infant loss on the interbirth interval was assessed and found to have no influence.Variability in the birth interval in comparable species is noted.

Ethology and the development of sex and gender identity in non-human primates

The current view that behaviour which is manifest in non-human primates forms a baseline for human behaviours is examined with special reference to the development of gender determination. A review of 21 non-human primate societies suggests that the behaviour of the sexes relates to assumption and occupation of societal roles defined by the local group. The significance of these findings for the human condition is discussed.

Preliminary report onPresbytis francoisi leucocephalus

There is no long-term study on the white-headed leaf-eating monkey in Hua Shan, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. This subspecies probably numbers ≤400 animals (Wu, 1983; Jiang et al., 1991). Our preliminary study 15 km from the Vietnamese border documents group size and composition and habitat use based on 450 contact h. The study group may interact with the white-sideburned (white-cheeked or black) subspecies of Presbytis francoisi,and shares habitat with macaques. While the study site is contiguous with a provincial park and P. francoisiare under protective legislation, development of this area for tourism and occasional local hunting has consequences for conservation policy.

THE GENETIC IMPLICATIONS OF EFFECTIVE POPULATION SIZE FOR THE BARBARY MACAQUE IN GIBRALTAR

The structure and dynamics of the present population of Barbary macaques in Gibraltar have already been described in Fa (Chap, 11, this volume). The purpose of this paper is to examine the genetic composition of the population with regard to its health and future conservation.