Reproductive Decisions : An Economic Analysis of Gelada Baboon Social Strategies

Robin Dunbar uses economic models to explore the social behavior of the gelada baboon (Theropithecus gelada), a unique species, whose social system is one of the most complex among the primates. His work illustrates the value of an approach that views social behavior as being ultimately concerned with reproduction and with the maximizing of an individual's contribution to its species' gene pool. Originally published in 1985. The **Princeton Legacy Library** uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905. Contents Acknowledgments 1 Introduction 2 Structure of Gelada Populations 3 Ecological Constraints 4 Demographic Processes 5 Social Structure of Reproductive Units 6 Constraints on Female Reproduction 7 The Female’s Socio- Reproductive Strategies 8 A Decision Model of Female Reproductive Strategies 9 The Female’s Tactical Options 10 The Male’s Loyalty Problem 11 Rules and Decisions in Harem Acquisition 12 An Economic Model of Male Reproductive Strategies 13 Tactical Options Open to Males 14 Dynamics of Strategy Choice 15 Two Final Problems About Males 16 Evolutionary Decisions Under Conflicts of Interest References Author Index Subject Index