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DNA analyses support the hypothesis that infanticide is adaptive in langur monkeys
C Borries1, K Launhardt, C Epplen
1Abteilung Verhaltensforschung und Okologie, Deutsches Primatenzentrum, Göttingen, Germany. cborri@www.dpz.gwdg.de
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|June 25, 1999
Summary
Male primates killing infants is common but debated. DNA analysis of Hanuman langurs shows males killing unrelated infants gain reproductive advantage, supporting the sexual selection hypothesis for infanticide.
Area of Science:
- Primate behavior
- Evolutionary biology
- Reproductive strategies
Background:
- Infanticide by adult males is prevalent in primates.
- The causes and benefits of infanticide are debated.
- Two main hypotheses exist: sexual selection and social pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between male attackers and infant victims in Hanuman langurs.
- To test the sexual selection hypothesis of infanticide.
Main Methods:
- DNA analyses were performed on wild Hanuman langurs (Presbytis entellus).
- Attribution of infant victims to male attackers was determined.
- Paternity of subsequent infants was assessed.
Main Results:
- Male attackers were not related to their infant victims.
- Presumed killers were the likely fathers of subsequent infants.
- This provides the first evidence supporting the sexual selection hypothesis in this species.
Conclusions:
- Infanticide by males in Hanuman langurs is an adaptive reproductive tactic.
- The sexual selection hypothesis is strongly supported by the findings.
- Male infanticide offers a reproductive advantage through increased paternity.