Primate Social Structures and Dominance
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Questions and Answers

According to the studies, when are dominant male primates most likely to gain increased sexual access to females?

  • When females are in a less fertile stage.
  • When females are not part of their social group.
  • When the females enter estrus and are most likely to conceive. (correct)
  • When females have previously mated.

What evidence supports the idea that high-ranking male primates have greater reproductive success?

  • Analysis of the size of testes in dominant males.
  • Comparison of grooming patterns between dominant and subordinate males.
  • Observational studies of mating behaviors.
  • DNA fingerprinting showing a disproportionate number of offspring sired by high-ranking males. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a key feature of primate dominance hierarchies, as noted in the content?

  • They involve continuous competition.
  • Individuals jockey for position.
  • Changes can occur due to deaths or injuries.
  • They are static and unchanging. (correct)

What is the primary factor determining dominance in primate hierarchies?

<p>Social skills and ability to form alliances. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is prestige primarily regarded?

<p>As freely conferred deference (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did a subordinate male do when the alpha male refused to support him in a conflict?

<p>He ended his alliance with the alpha male. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of prestige hierarchies?

<p>They are domain specific (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what underlying evolutionary basis for dominance-striving is suggested?

<p>Increased sexual opportunities with females. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do prestigious individuals typically evoke in others?

<p>Admiration and respect (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens in primate social groups when a dominant animal dies or is injured?

<p>There is a period of instability as others compete for the top position. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might lower-ranking individuals seek to approach prestigious individuals?

<p>To acquire valuable information (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key difference is suggested between males and females in dominance-striving?

<p>The content suggests an evolutionary basis for a sex difference in the dominance-striving motive. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is proposed as the key underlying all paths to status?

<p>Competence in the relevant domains (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does 'costly signaling' play in the acquisition of prestige?

<p>It is a key aspect in gaining prestige (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might be considered examples of 'costly signaling' in traditional hunter-gatherer societies?

<p>Throwing lavish feasts and providing meat from difficult-to-capture prey (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one way prestige differs from dominance, according to the text?

<p>Dominance involves forceful imposition while prestige involves freely conferred deference (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature that an evolutionary theory of status needs to explain?

<p>Why individuals accept subordinate positions in hierarchies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a tactic used by academics to jockey for position?

<p>Brandishing a switchblade (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason individuals might defer to dominant individuals and relinquish resources?

<p>To avoid the costs of violence or threat of force (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do traditional societies use to deter individuals striving for dominance?

<p>Ridicule, ostracism, and even homicide (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinction that the text draws between dominance and prestige?

<p>Prestige involves respect while dominance involves force or the threat of force. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of production hierarchies, as opposed to dominance hierarchies?

<p>Coordination and division of labor (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'made man' an example of?

<p>A person who gained status through physical punishment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best reflects the text's description of a good theory of status?

<p>It should explain why people strive for status, and the different paths for achieving higher status. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the service-for-prestige theory, what do leaders primarily provide to their followers?

<p>Key services such as organizational skills and knowledge (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor in the evolution of leadership?

<p>Displays that benefit the group (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit that followers provide to leaders, according to the service-for-prestige theory?

<p>Social prestige (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the adaptive problems that leading and following strategies are suggested to solve?

<p>Group coordination and conflict resolution (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to this text, how do leaders typically emerge within a group?

<p>From consensus among group members regarding effective problem-solving qualities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is specifically stated in the text as a signal of high levels of generosity from a potential leader?

<p>Making costly sacrifices for the group (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one example of a service that leaders might provide that benefits their followers?

<p>Success at hunting and better defense against attacks (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the context given, what does increased reputation correlate with?

<p>Making donations publicly. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do individuals in social groups typically gain prestige?

<p>By displaying high levels of competence, generosity, and commitment to the group. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial factor for prestige signals to be effective?

<p>The signals must be recognized by the group. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the experiment described, when did charitable contributions significantly boost an individual's prestige?

<p>When the contributions were made publicly in front of others. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the study about reputation and costs reveal about people's priorities?

<p>People sometimes place a higher value on their reputation than personal well-being. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the service-for-prestige theory, what do followers incur by bestowing leaders with prestige and status?

<p>The cost of paying attention, laughing, and using formal titles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the dilemma where people had to choose between being branded a criminal and spending time in jail, what did the study find?

<p>About 40% chose to spend a year in jail to avoid the criminal label. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the study where participants were asked to choose between living to 90 with a bad reputation and dying immediately, what was the primary finding?

<p>Over half the participants preferred immediate death over a false bad reputation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The service-for-prestige theory is primarily based on what concept?

<p>Reciprocal altruism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key concept highlighted by the study's findings about how people make a decision?

<p>The overwhelming importance of status and reputation in the minds of people. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one way leaders benefit from social prestige?

<p>Improved access to desirable mates and resources (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, is receiving or giving more important when building prestige?

<p>Giving is more crucial for gaining social prestige. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a quality that is generally sought in leaders, especially in small-scale societies?

<p>Physical formidability (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the quote 'Nobody ever tells an Eskimo what to do. But some people are smarter than others and can give good advice. They are the leaders' best illustrate?

<p>Leader earn their title through wisdom and advice. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a key quality for leadership in both wartime and peacetime, according to the text?

<p>Good social skills and oratory skills (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do people often seek in leaders, in addition to other qualities?

<p>Fairness (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a seemingly trivial cost that followers might incur when bestowing prestige on a leader?

<p>Paying greater attention to the leader (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Dominant Male Sexual Access

The tendency for dominant male primates to have greater sexual access to females, especially when they are in estrus (fertile).

Dominance and Reproduction

High-ranking males in primate groups often father a disproportionate number of offspring, suggesting a link between dominance and reproductive success.

Dynamic Dominance Hierarchies

Primate dominance hierarchies are not static. Individuals constantly compete for higher positions, and changes in dominance occur due to factors like competition, alliances, and the death or injury of dominant individuals.

Social Skills in Dominance

Social skills, particularly the ability to build strong alliances, play a crucial role in determining an individual's position in a primate dominance hierarchy.

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Dominance and Sexual Advantage

The potential for increased sexual opportunities with females provides a strong evolutionary advantage for primates striving for dominance.

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Evolutionary Basis of Dominance Motivation

The observed sex difference in dominance-striving behavior in primates suggests an evolutionary basis for the motivation to achieve high social status.

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Alliance Breakdown in Dominance

In a case study, a subordinate male ended his alliance with an alpha male due to the alpha's refusal to support him in a competition for a female, demonstrating the importance of alliances in primate social dynamics.

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Social Factors in Dominance Rank

The physical size of a primate is not the sole determinant of its rank. Social factors, including the ability to form alliances, play a significant role in establishing dominance.

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Evolutionary Theory of Status

A theory explaining adaptive benefits of status hierarchies and why individuals accept subordinate positions.

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Dominance Hierarchy

Achieving status through violence or the threat of violence, often involving intimidation and coercion.

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Prestige Hierarchy

Gaining status through skills, knowledge, and contributions that benefit the group.

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Status Hierarchy

The allocation of resources, power, and influence based on dominance or prestige.

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Strive for Equality

Individuals strive for equal status within a group to prevent potential conflict and dysfunction.

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Negotiating Hierarchies

Strategies used to maneuver within status hierarchies, often involving social manipulation and competition.

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Gender Differences in Status Striving

The tendency for men to engage in more overt status striving than women.

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Social Control

The practices of using ridicule, ostracism, or even violence to discourage individuals from challenging the existing dominance structure.

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What is Prestige?

Prestige is respect gained through skills, knowledge, or social connections, freely bestowed by others. It's a valuable asset for acquiring information and access to resources.

Think of it as earning respect for your expertise or contributions.

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Domain-Specific Prestige

Prestige is often specialized. You might be respected for hunting skills but not for healing. This means different abilities lead to different forms of prestige.

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Prestige Signaling

In many cultures, generosity and giving back to the community are ways to signal prestige and gain admiration. These actions demonstrate competence and valuable qualities.

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Prestige and Social Benefit

In traditional hunter-gatherer communities, prestigious individuals often provide benefits like food or knowledge. It's a form of social exchange that benefits both the giver and the receiver.

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Competence and Status

Competence, encompassing skills like fighting, resource acquisition, leadership, and social influence, is essential for gaining both dominance and prestige.

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Dominance vs. Prestige

While dominance is associated with force and fear, prestige involves admiration and respect. The key is in the way individuals acquire and maintain status.

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Prestige Signaling

Prestige signaling involves showcasing valuable skills or resources to gain respect within a community. It's a way of demonstrating worthiness and attracting attention.

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Prestige Signaling Through Sharing

Sharing resources or knowledge is a common form of prestige signaling in traditional societies. It builds social connections and demonstrates value.

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Service-for-Prestige Theory

A theory that explains how leaders emerge in groups by providing valuable services to followers.

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Leader-Provided Services

Essential skills or abilities leaders provide, such as organizing, problem-solving, or knowledge.

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Follower Benefits

Benefits followers receive from a leader's skills, leading to improved outcomes for the group.

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Social Prestige

The positive social standing or reputation a leader gains from providing valuable services to followers.

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Leader-Follower Relations

The dynamic relationship between leaders and followers, where leaders provide services and followers provide prestige.

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Group Coordination

The ability to solve group problems and coordinate actions, a key element in leadership.

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Conflict Resolution

The ability to resolve disputes or disagreements within a group, a critical function of leadership.

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Leader Emergence

The process of reaching an agreement among group members about who possesses the qualities of a leader.

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How do you gain prestige in groups?

Prestige is gained by demonstrating your skills in areas valued by the group, being generous, and showing dedication through sacrifice.

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Why is public generosity important for gaining prestige?

People are more likely to recognize and respect someone's prestige if their good deeds are done in public.

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How important is reputation to people?

The desire for a positive reputation is so strong that people are willing to endure significant costs, even death itself.

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What are people willing to sacrifice for a good reputation?

Individuals are willing to suffer consequences to avoid a negative reputation, even if it means losing years in jail or choosing death.

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What experiment shows the importance of public generosity?

In an experiment, participants who donated anonymously did not gain as much prestige as those who donated publicly.

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What does the donation study reveal about reputation?

The study shows that the perception of someone's reputation is more important to most people than their actual actions.

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What does the study about death vs. dishonor indicate?

People are willing to sacrifice their well-being or even their life to maintain a good reputation in the eyes of others.

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What is the main takeaway from the study on reputation?

The study showcases the powerful influence of social reputation and the lengths people go to avoid negative perceptions.

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Costs of Bestowing Prestige

The costs incurred by individuals in bestowing prestige and status on a leader. These costs can range from simple gestures like attention and laughter to more significant sacrifices like sharing resources.

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Benefits of Social Prestige for Leaders

The benefits that leaders gain from having high prestige, including access to important resources and desirable mates.

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Leadership Qualities and Adaptive Problems

The qualities that are sought in leaders depend on the specific problems that the group faces. For example, athleticism and strength are important for leaders in hunting and warfare.

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Physical Qualities in Leaders

Physical attributes such as strength, height, and health are often valued in leaders, especially in societies that rely on hunting or warfare.

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Fairness in Leadership

While fairness is a desirable leadership quality, the specific definition of fairness can vary depending on the culture and circumstances.

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Non-Physical Leadership Qualities

In addition to physical qualities, intelligence, social skills, and the ability to unite the group are important leadership qualities in both peaceful and wartime contexts.

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Reciprocal Altruism in Leadership

The idea that humans, like other animals, often engage in reciprocal altruism, where favors are exchanged to benefit both parties involved.

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Study Notes

Increased Sexual Access by Dominant Chimp Males

  • Dominant male chimpanzees have more sexual access, especially when females are in estrus.
  • Studies using DNA fingerprinting show dominant males sire more offspring.
  • Similar patterns observed in orangutans, baboons, and macaques.

Primate Dominance Hierarchies

  • Dominance hierarchies are not stable; individuals constantly compete and jockey for position.
  • Deaths or ousting of a dominant animal can disrupt the hierarchy.
  • Social skills (e.g., ability to form alliances) are more important than physical size in determining rank.
  • Dominance striving is closely tied to increased sexual access to females.

Evolutionary Theories of Dominance

  • Evolutionary theories of status must explain the adaptive problems solved by ascending status hierarchies.
  • A good theory would predict tactics used to negotiate hierarchies, explain why individuals accept subordinate positions, and account for high prevalence of status striving among males.
  • Theories must explain why status-seeking behaviors vary between males and females.

Prestige, Dominance, and Status

  • Dominance is based on force, while prestige is based on freely conferred deference (skills, knowledge, connections).
  • Status can be achieved through both dominance and prestige.
  • Status is tied to competence in relevant domains.

Prestige Signaling

  • Costly signaling is key to prestige acquisition.
  • Examples include lavish feasts, providing valued goods, or displaying valuable knowledge.
  • Modern social groups involve displaying generosity, expertise, and personal sacrifice.
  • Giving more than taking is linked to prestige.

Leadership and Followership

  • Leadership is based on adaptive problems involving group coordination(coalitional hunting and defense).
  • Leaders emerge from group consensus of individuals who possess knowledge and competence concerning the group's goals.
  • Service-for-prestige theory suggests leaders provide services (organization, wisdom, knowledge), earning prestige from followers in return.
  • Chosen qualities of leaders vary based on the task (e.g., hunting, warfare).

Sex Differences in Status Striving

  • Male reproductive output is highly variable compared to females, leading to stronger selection pressures for attaining high prestige and status.
  • Strategies to avoid exclusion from reproduction may be more prevalent in males.
  • Tactics for achieving status include deception/manipulation, social display, and industriousness/knowledge.

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Description

This quiz explores the dynamics of dominance hierarchies in primates, focusing on how dominant male chimpanzees gain increased sexual access. It discusses the implications of social skills in ranking and evolutionary theories that explain the adaptive problems of dominance. Test your understanding of primate behavior and social interactions.

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