The role of threats in animal cooperation

Proc Biol Sci. 2011 Jan 22;278(1703):170-8. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2010.1241. Epub 2010 Aug 26.

Abstract

In human societies, social behaviour is strongly influenced by threats of punishment, even though the threats themselves rarely need to be exercised. Recent experimental evidence suggests that similar hidden threats can promote cooperation and limit within-group selfishness in some animal systems. In other animals, however, threats appear to be ineffective. Here I review theoretical and empirical studies that help to understand the evolutionary causes of these contrasting patterns, and identify three factors-impact, accuracy and perception-that together determine the effectiveness of threats to induce cooperation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal*
  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Game Theory
  • Punishment*
  • Social Behavior