Comparative Primate Socioecology (Cambridge Studies in Biological and Evolutionary Anthropology, Series Number 22)

Comparative studies have become both more frequent and more important as a means for understanding the biology, behavior, and evolution of mammals. Primates have complex social relationships and diverse ecologies, and represent a large species radiation. This book draws together a wide range of experts from diverse fields, such as reproductive biology and foraging energetics, to place recent field research into a synthetic perspective. The chapters tackle controversial issues in primate biology and behavior, including the role of brain expansion and infanticide in the evolution of primate behavioral strategies. The volume also presents an overview of comparative methodologies as applied to recent primate research.