Dominance assertion in male chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

✍ Scribed by Christopher L. Coe; Rachel N. Levin

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1980
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 772 KB
• Volume: 6
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0096-140X
• DOI: 10.1002/1098-2337(1980)6:2<161::aid-ab2480060207>3.0.co;2-4

✦ Synopsis

The social relations of three adult males in a captive chimpanzee group uere evaluated for 12 months. The observations encompassed a period of transition in the dominance hierarchy providing an opportunity to assess behavioral patterns involved in the initiation of status changes. This study shows that dominance in the chimpanzee is expressed primarily through ritualized and non-contact behavior rather than by overt aggression. In particular, display behavior is important for indicating dominance rank, in communicating aggressive intent, and as a prelude t o status struggles. The functional relationships between status, displays and other socio-sexual behavior patterns are presented.