Relationship between Social Interactions and Sexual Maturation in Female Saguinus oedipus oedipus

Abstract

4 female Saguinus oedipus oedipus were paired with strange, unrelated males while 5 remained in their natal family groups. A comparison of the frequency of selected social interactions involving these females when sexually immature versus mature was made. The frequency of sexual and affiliative interactions in male-female pairs was basically unchanged by the female’s maturation. Mother-daughter interactions were also not changed in a consistent fashion by the daughters’ maturation. Females with strange, unrelated males, either alone or as part of their natal group, displayed increases in marking behavior in association with sexual maturation.