Partner preferences in different aged female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

J Gerontol. 1986 Sep;41(5):623-8. doi: 10.1093/geronj/41.5.623.

Abstract

It has been suggested that there is a strong age-peer preference for social partners among aged human and nonhuman primates. The purpose of this investigation was to study the social pairings that occurred in a large (70 animal) social group of rhesus macaques. Six females in each of three age classifications (old, prime, and young adults) were observed during a breeding season and nonbreeding season to determine with whom these individuals interacted in socially affiliative ways. The study group was housed in a 38 X 38 m outdoor area and only naturally occurring interactions were observed. The results suggest strong cross-age partner preferences that affect the distribution of socially affiliative responses within the group. There was a strong preference for kin in all classes except prime aged sisters. Among nonkin only the infants were consistently preferred as target animals for socially affiliative responses.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Aging*
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Social Behavior*