Primate Behavior Could Shed Light On Human Behavior

A study of spider monkeys shows a hugging behavior has developed among the species. Spider monkeys usually split from one main group into several subgroups to alleviate competition between members over resources. These subgroups usually re-form to defend their territory or will run into each other at some point, and tension can be high. These subgroups tend to form into clicks and with all those individuals in one place uncertainty and aggressive behavior increase because they have bonded with their subgroup and are unsure of the other individuals. This hugging behavior has evolved as a means to lower the tension between rejoining groups. Usually two individuals, that researchers have "dubbed" ambassadors for each subgroup hug and put the remaining individuals at ease and shows they are equals. This could possibly explain the underlying reasons for humans to shake hands or hugging when meeting.

A second study of Puerto Rican rhesus monkeys use unique vocalizations when they are interacting with infants. The vocalizations indicate excitement in tone, and one particular "girney" sound seems to be used specifically to get an infants attention. Mothers also rattle there tails in infants faces for attention, a behavior not seen used otherwise. This baby talk among rhesus monkeys is not used with their own infants, because they are usually face to face and always in contact with one another. It is mainly used with other mothers’ infants. It helps to socialize the infants and prepare them for things like grooming, it is also a means of social interactions between the females of the group. This monkey baby talk is very similar in the way humans do it, in that it is a raised pitch, soothing, song like style. These studied present results that perhaps baby talk, hugging, and hand shakes may be biological in origin.

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Jessica Johnson (2)