Alternative Mechanisms of Social Organization in Monkeys

Abstract

Observations on a captive group of patas monkeys were supplemented with field observations to analyse the process by which a gregarious animal keeps track of the position and activity of other group members and regulates the distance between them and itself. This process can take place without the exchange of specialised signals (displays) and is described as a mechanism of group organisation alternative to a mechanism based on the exchange of displays. Displays and formalised interaction patterns can provide additional, complementary information, especially about transient features of social organisation. Observations on a captive group of patas monkeys were supplemented with field observations to analyse the process by which a gregarious animal keeps track of the position and activity of other group members and regulates the distance between them and itself. This process can take place without the exchange of specialised signals (displays) and is described as a mechanism of group organisation alternative to a mechanism based on the exchange of displays. Displays and formalised interaction patterns can provide additional, complementary information, especially about transient features of social organisation.