A model for development of social behavior in vervet monkeys

Polynomial regression was used to construct linear descriptive models for age-related behavioral changes among socially-living, captive vervet monkeys. Seventeen social acts were divided by gender into performer (director) and recipient to produce 68 predictive equation. The aptness of these models was examined by an analysis of residuals, including a lack-of-fit F test. Consistency was further validated by a sign test comparison of predicted and observed means. A log10 (Y + 1) transformation produced satisfactory fits for 51 of the 68 parameters. Only 1 behavior (male gape D) had a nonsignificant cumulative F value and low coefficient of multiple determination. Although the remaining 16 acts did show age relationships, they exhibited a significant lack of fit to the proposed model. A table of predictive equations is presented as a mathematical model of behavioral development in vervet monkeys.