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Patterns of grandmaternal behaviour in free-ranging Hanuman langurs (Presbytis entellus)

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Human Evolution

Abstract

The behaviour of two Hanuman langur grandmothers towards their grandchildren is examined with emphasis on the spatial relationship, the contact behaviour, and vigilance. Interaction patterns with infants and juveniles are analysed separately to disclose the influence of a social partner's reproductive value and the variance of this value on grandmaternal behaviour. The shape of grandmaternal behaviour seems to differ for male and female grandchildren, and it seems to depend on the reproductive value of both, the grandmother and the grandchild. These results are in accordance with sociobiological hypotheses. Evaluation of costs and benefits suggests that grandmaternal behaviour in langurs can be called investment.

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Borries, C. Patterns of grandmaternal behaviour in free-ranging Hanuman langurs (Presbytis entellus). Hum. Evol. 3, 239–259 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02435856

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