Multi-species societies

Area of Science:

• Community ecology
• Anthropology
• Ethnoprimatology

Background:

• Mixed-species animal groups are recognized across ecological and anthropological studies.
• Existing definitions of "society" may not fully encompass these complex interspecies interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if mixed-species animal groups fit Moffett's definition of society.
• To explore the implications of classifying mixed-species groups as societies.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of existing research from community ecology, anthropology, and ethnoprimatology.
• Application of Moffett's societal definition to observed mixed-species animal groups.

Main Results:

• Moffett's definition of society can be extended to include mixed-species animal groups.
• The existence of mixed-species societies implies that societies are organized by social norms.

Conclusions:

• Mixed-species animal groups meet the criteria for being considered societies.
• Individuals may commonly participate in multiple societies simultaneously.
• Societal structures are influenced by social norms, even in interspecies contexts.