Primates and humans share a lot of common behaviors, such as care of their young, reactions to stressful situations, and shyness, and are believed to show many similar emotions. The evolution of human behavior is studied by anthropologists who often try to piece it together by looking at primate models. This paper will look at the validity of such studies as ways to gain an understanding into the development of human behavior.
Scientists at the Laboratory of Clinical Studies in Poolesville, Maryland are studying the qualities which distinguish primate leaders from minions, incline females to prefer some males over others, and cause some monkeys to be ejected from a troop (Segell, 1996). The study has shown that the dominant males are not necessarily the most aggressive ones. Rule is usually be consensus rather than fiat, and their main leadership strategy is a political one: building coalitions with neighbors rather than dominating competitors. Monkeys at the "top" of the heap are those willing to take turns, to help others, and with the ability to assess allies. Leaders among monkeys do not use aggression to resolve problems, but call up their disciples with a simple glance, and they handle the
The most successful male monkeys are willing to groom needy ones, and executive-type monkeys are good at making up after disputes by returning to grooming one another to reestablish bonds. In contrast to those who top the social ladder, the most aggressive monkeys show little concern for others' grooming needs and spend their days alone. Their interactions with other monkeys consist mainly of fights with older, bigger monkeys, and they often act foolishly when challenged. They tend to be hot-tempered loners, and are unable to pull back from a fight once it starts, and are often the ones to be driven from a pack. This type of behavior is very similar to that of teenage human males, who often challenge authority figures, and do...