| Chapter 1: | Introduction |
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In chapter 4, we consider the behavior and biology of chimpanzees and bonobos, both known from DNA samples to be humans’ closest relatives, and show that bonobos (which are peaceful and sexy) rather than chimpanzees (which are antsy and more aggressive) behave more like human beings, although neither ape has the humans’ pair-bonded mating system. In chapter 5, we explain that although males tend to compete for mating rights with females, various appeasement behaviors have evolved in many primate species to forestall aggression within their groups.
How might monkey and ape behavior today resemble that of human forebears? Nuclear families are the social organization of most human cultures, and in chapter 6 we show that this lifestyle has also evolved in many successful primate species. In chapters 7, 8, and 9, we give examples, respectively, of the various primate species whose males are affectionate to infants, get along well with females, and become close friends with other males. We examine in chapter 10 the overemphasis or even valorization of the hypothesis of males in many species committing infanticide so that they themselves can then mate with the females to produce their own offspring. This does happen in a few species, but it is claimed for many species in which it does not occur. In chapter 11, we show that female animals are about as likely as males to commit infanticide, although this fact is little known given that it undermines the infanticide-by-males hypothesis. In chapter 12, we summarize important points made in this book and provide a new view of aggression in primates.
Variability of Social Behavior
Many male authors have argued that because men are aggressive, humans’ male ancestors must have been aggressive too. However, social behavior depends on many factors and is not set in stone (Bekoff & Pierce, 2009). As an extreme example, dogs and wolves can interbreed, yet their behaviors are completely different. Wolves live in packs with an alpha male, which breeds with the alpha female and also helps to rear his pups; other