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The Evolution of Monogamy in Primates: A Phylogenetic Approach

Muhlberger, Alana Hope
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1302210482

Abstract Details

2011, MA, Kent State University, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Anthropology.
This thesis explores the mosaic evolution of social monogamy in primates. Researchers often assume that socially monogamous primates share a set of common behavioral and morphological traits, which include explicit territoriality, a nuclear family unit, pair-bonding, paternal care of infants, and sexual monomorphism in body size. Yet, considerable variation can be found in socially monogamous members of the Order Primates. Here, I deconstruct the concept of social monogamy in primates by quantifying its component traits and tracing them through the Order using phylogenetic reconstruction. I compiled a database of characters associated with monogamy in the superfamilies Lemuroidea, Tarsioidea, and Ceboidea, which includes data on social organization, pair-bonding, duetting, paternal care of infants, territorial exclusivity, mechanisms of territorial defense, and sexual dimorphism in body mass. Using methods derived from phylogenetic reconstruction, I demonstrate that ancestral traits of socially monogamous primates include pair-living (group size limited to a nuclear family unit) and territorial exclusivity, while pair-bonding and paternal care of infants are derived. I further apply data from the reconstructions to provide input on a number of hypotheses and statements from the literature as well as several original questions.
Marilyn Norconk, PhD (Advisor)
Mary Ann Raghanti, PhD (Committee Member)
Chi-Hua Chiu, PhD (Committee Member)
98 p.
Behavioral Sciences; Biology; Physical Anthropology
monogamy; phylogenetic reconstruction; primates

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Muhlberger, A. H. (2011). The Evolution of Monogamy in Primates: A Phylogenetic Approach [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1302210482

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Muhlberger, Alana. The Evolution of Monogamy in Primates: A Phylogenetic Approach. 2011. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1302210482.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Muhlberger, Alana. "The Evolution of Monogamy in Primates: A Phylogenetic Approach." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1302210482

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1302210482
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© 2011, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.