Ecobiological aspects of mating systems of Primates including Man

Abstract

The reproductive strategies of primates are explored from a socioecological and comparative perspective. This study shows that all primates respond to food distribution and predation risk in a predictable manner. Reproductive strategies are often the result of conflicting interess between the two sexes. Human reproductive strategies are then compared to those of non human primates. We conclude that humans have more resemblance to a multimale-multifemale social organization as opposed to that of solitary or monogamous primates. The human monogamous couple is but one of the solutions available to the human “deme”. We suggest it is a recent phenomenon which originated in neolithic agricultural societies, rather than in earlier hunting and gathering paleolithic society. Future human socio-ecology demands a reassessment of modern reproductive strategy and the eradication of biological xenofobia, to include all humans in a global “deme”.

Key words:

• Reproductive strategies-nonhuman-human primates