Question 1

Savanna baboons differ from muriquis, chimpanzees, and mountain gorillas in a variety of ways. Choose two of these primates, and list two ways in which they differ from savanna baboons.

Accepted Answer

Savanna baboons differ from muriquis in their habitat and social structure. While savanna baboons live in open grasslands and woodlands, muriquis are found in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Additionally, savanna baboons live in large multi-male, multi-female social groups, while muriquis live in smaller, more peaceful groups with a more balanced sex ratio.

Savanna baboons also differ from chimpanzees in their diet and tool use. Baboons are omnivorous and primarily eat plants, insects, and small animals, while chimpanzees are primarily herbivorous and also use tools to obtain food. Additionally, chimpanzees are known for their complex tool use, while baboons use tools less frequently.

These differences highlight the diverse adaptations and behaviors of different primate species in response to their unique environments and ecological niches.

Question 2

Which of the following is not a limitation to testing evolutionary theories of behavior in primates?

Accepted Answer

A)   Extended kinship, especially along paternal lines, is difficult to ascertain from behavioral observations alone
B)   Primate behaviors cannot be systematically described or compared
C)   Optimal behavioral strategies can change over the course of an individual's lifetime
D)   The consequences of most behaviors for individual lifetime reproductive success are difficult to assess B

Question 3

Tinbergen described four levels of explanation of why certain behaviors occur. Select one of the following examples of primate behavior and describe how each of the four levels could be used to explain it.
• Pygmy marmosets display their genitals when they encounter neighboring groups at the edge of their territories.
• Male chimpanzees participate in cooperative hunting endeavors more often than females.

Accepted Answer

Pygmy marmosets displaying their genitals when encountering neighboring groups at the edge of their territories can be explained using Tinbergen's four levels of explanation.

1. Proximate causation: At the proximate level, we can explain this behavior by looking at the immediate physiological and environmental factors that trigger it. For example, the display of genitals could be a form of communication to signal territorial boundaries and prevent conflict between groups.

2. Developmental causation: This level of explanation focuses on how the behavior develops over the lifespan of the individual. In the case of pygmy marmosets, this behavior could be learned through social interactions within the group and passed down through generations as a way to maintain territorial boundaries.

3. Phylogenetic causation: This level of explanation looks at the evolutionary history of the behavior. The display of genitals could have evolved as a way for pygmy marmosets to communicate and avoid conflict with neighboring groups, ultimately increasing their chances of survival and reproduction.

4. Functional causation: This level of explanation considers the adaptive significance of the behavior. In this case, displaying genitals could serve the function of reducing the likelihood of physical confrontation between groups, thereby reducing the risk of injury and increasing the overall fitness of the individuals involved.

Each of these levels of explanation provides a different perspective on why pygmy marmosets display their genitals when encountering neighboring groups, offering a comprehensive understanding of the behavior.

Question 4

Marmosets and tamarins are unusual primates because:

Accepted Answer

A)   Females have unexpectedly slow reproductive rates
B)   Ovulation can be suppressed in subordinate females
C)   They have never been studied in captivity
D)   Daughters routinely mate with their fathers

Question 5

Energy minimizers tend to spend more time than energy maximizers:

Accepted Answer

A)   Resting
B)   Searching for food
C)   Feeding on fruit
D)   Traveling

Question 6

Consider the trade-offs between the kinds of research that can be conducted on captive and wild primates, and present one type of question that might be most appropriate to each. Be sure to specify the conditions of your captive and wild subjects.

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

Explain two advantages and two disadvantages for using primates as model species to test theories of behavioral ecology.

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

Define phenotypic plasticity and explain its importance for behavioral adaptations, particularly in environments that are undergoing rapid changes.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define phenotypic plasticity and explain its importance...

Question 9

Polygamous mating systems are those in which:

Accepted Answer

A)   Adult males and females form pairbonds
B)   One male mates with two or more different females
C)   One female mates with two or more different males
D)   Both sexes mate with multiple partners

Question 10

Most diurnal primates are also:

Accepted Answer

A)   Social
B)   Solitary
C)   Nocturnal
D)   Cathemeral

Question 11

Territoriality in primates:

Accepted Answer

A)   Refers to groups with overlapping home ranges
B)   Is a fixed attribute of those species in which it occurs
C)   Is associated with short day ranges relative to home range size
D)   Is highly variable depending on population and food densities

Question 12

Male-biased dispersal and matrilocal societies:

Accepted Answer

A)   Characterize the societies of chimpanzees and other apes
B)   Are found in all primates
C)   Are common among Old World baboons and macaques
D)   Result in patrilocality

Question 13

One of the major contributions of primate studies to behavioral ecology has been:

Accepted Answer

A)   The focus on individual variation and longitudinal research
B)   The fact that many species are known only from a single study group
C)   The role of primates in biomedical research
D)   Conservation concerns

Question 14

Predator sensitivity:

Accepted Answer

A)   Is equally common to all newborn primates
B)   Describes the variation in the vulnerability of different primates to predators
C)   Reflects the evolutionary history of a species
D)   Can be used to infer the types of prey that predators prefer

Question 15

Which of the following is not an appropriate dietary category for primates:

Accepted Answer

A)   Frugivore
B)   Folivore
C)   Carnivore
D)   Insectivore

Question 16

The first field studies of wild primates conducted by C. R. Carpenter involved:

Accepted Answer

A)   Orangutans
B)   Savanna baboons
C)   Muriquis
D)   Howler monkeys

Question 17

Draw the graph that depicts Optimal Group Size when predation and food competition are considered. Label all axes and lines, and discuss how the compromises between increased protection from predators and reduced feeding success are thought to affect optimal group sizes in primates.

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

Ultimate levels of explanation of behavior involve:

Accepted Answer

A)   Understanding proximate, physiological mechanisms
B)   Understanding the development or ontogeny of behavior
C)   Understanding the evolutionary function in terms of fitness
D)   Understanding phylogenetic relationships

Question 19

Discuss how the degree of dietary and habitat specialization affects a species' vulnerability to human disturbances.

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of studying primates in captivity versus in the wild.

Accepted Answer

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Exam 1: Introduction to Primate Studis