ISSN:
0032-8332
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The utility of various techniques for assessing dominance relations within captive primate groups has been repeatedly debated. The present research compared status rankings derived from observations of spontaneous agonism with rankings based on success in experimental competitions within two groups of captiveSaimiri. Observation of social agonism revealed stable dyadic dominance relations in both groups. Status rankings derived from the competitive Water Dominance tests were neither temporally stable nor concordant with observational rankings. Thus the utility of the Water Dominance test as an index of dominance among captive squirrel monkeys seems questionable. Results are discussed in terms of ecological factors in group adaptation which lead to species-specific differences in the relationship between social conflict and competition.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02382948
