3 results
17 - Primate Communication
- Edited by Bennett L. Schwartz, Florida International University, Michael J. Beran, Georgia State University
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- Book:
- Primate Cognitive Studies
- Published online:
- 28 July 2022
- Print publication:
- 11 August 2022, pp 411-438
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Summary
The intentional communication of affective states is a central part of human sociality and cognition. Although nonhuman primates (henceforth primates) also signal intentionally, there is a perceived chasm between their intentional versus affective forms of communication. Whereas primate vocalizations and facial expressions are traditionally viewed as involuntary “read-outs” of affective states, gestures are considered as products of intentional control. However, this traditional view is increasingly contentious, given recent evidence of intentional signal production of primate vocalizations and facial expressions, as well as the general void of arousal-based explanations in gesture research. In this chapter, we challenge the perceived dichotomy between affective and intentional communication in primates and propose a dimensional approach, whereby primate signals can be both affective and intentional, regardless of signal modality (tactile, audible, visible) or component (gesture, facial expression, vocalization). We argue that a dimensional approach, which incorporates both affective and intentional components, would improve our knowledge on how affective and cognitive processes have jointly shaped the evolution of primate communication.
20 - Primate Empathy
- Edited by Bennett L. Schwartz, Florida International University, Michael J. Beran, Georgia State University
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- Book:
- Primate Cognitive Studies
- Published online:
- 28 July 2022
- Print publication:
- 11 August 2022, pp 505-531
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Summary
Empathy, the capacity to share and understand others’ states, is crucial for facilitating enduring social relationships and managing ingroup and outgroup dynamics. Despite being at the center of much scrutiny and debate in human research, the evolutionary foundations of empathy remain relatively opaque. Moreover, inconsistencies remain regarding definitions and theoretical models, leading to discrepancies in how to systematically represent and address empathy and understand its evolutionary basis. As a complex, multidimensional phenomenon, certain components of empathy are likely to be evolutionarily ancient whereas others may be more derived. As our closest living relatives, nonhuman primates provide an opportunity to explore the evolutionary origins of empathy and its subcomponents. Due to the rich diversity of primate societies, we can comparatively study evidence of affective responding and empathic behavior within the context of different social dynamics and organization. Although studies have been conducted on individual primate species, especially the great apes, direct species comparisons are rare. Here we examine the literature investigating evidence for empathy among primates focusing on its underlying affective and cognitive components. In reviewing the literature, we also highlight species that need more coverage to enhance our overall understanding of how empathy has evolved within the primate order.
15 - Bonobo Sexual Behavior and Psychology
- from Part III - Nonhuman Primate Sexual Behavior
- Edited by Todd K. Shackelford, Oakland University, Michigan
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- Book:
- The Cambridge Handbook of Evolutionary Perspectives on Sexual Psychology
- Published online:
- 30 June 2022
- Print publication:
- 21 July 2022, pp 370-400
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Summary
Deep within the Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo, a shrill chorus of hooting suddenly erupts through the rainforest; a party of wild bonobos from the Bompusa community has just discovered a large fruit tree full of ripe fruits! As the bonobos rapidly start to climb up tree trunks into the canopy, their excited calls echo through the forest; “a food tree has been found!” Other community members quietly foraging and resting nearby, stop what they are doing, look up and start to rush towards the tree to join the other community members there. Among those joining the tree is Wilma, an adult female who joined the Bompusa community five years ago, as a young immigrant. When she emigrated from her natal group, during an intergroup encounter, Wilma was still a pre-pubescent female who was only beginning to exhibit a genital swelling. Now, Wilma is fully integrated into the community and in her sexual prime. Today, she displays a huge genital swelling in full tumescence, with a bright pink color and a gleaming sheen that advertises her receptivity. As Wilma reaches the canopy, she is greeted there by Camillo – the dominant male. Camillo is the adult son of Martha, one of the oldest alpha females in the community. The scene unfolds. Camillo moves over the branches, arching his back while presenting his erect penis to Wilma. Reaching for balance, Camillo grasps onto a branch while performing his sexual invitation. Wilma responds by quickly crouching and turning to direct her swelling towards him; as the pair copulate, Wilma emits loud copulation screams that are audible to anyone in the feeding tree. Afterwards, as Camillo returns to feeding, another bonobo approaches Wilma – this time it is Camillo’s mother, Martha; older and slower now, but still dominant and respected in the group. Martha leans back, widens her legs and beckons Wilma towards her in a typical solicitation for sexual interactions between females. But this time Wilma stays put – invitation refused. Martha tries again; this time, while holding onto the branch, she picks up her foot and gestures towards her own swelling to make her intentions clear. Despite her high status, her invitation is again refused. Not deterred, Martha tries again; leaning back now, pouting her lips into a duck face and giving a faint infantile whimper as she starts to get frustrated. With Wilma continuing to ignore her requests, the usually unflappable Martha loses all composure – her social expectations violated by this refusal by Wilma. She bares her teeth and starts to scream, she shakes branches and starts to run about. Now in a full temper tantrum, Martha suddenly descends the tree, screaming and voluntarily falling down into the undergrowth in her shock over this sexual rejection. The group is silenced by Martha’s outburst. Camillo and Wilma quietly look on, while continuing to feed on their fruits.