The impact of paternity on male–infant association in a primate with low paternity certainty

• DOI: 10.1111/mec.12328
• Publication Date: 2013-05-17T12:46:58Z
• Authors: Doreen Langos; Lars Kulik; Roger Mundry; Anja Widdig
• Keywords: Agonistic behaviour; Paternal care

Abstract In multimale groups where females mate promiscuously, male–infant associations have rarely been studied. However, recent studies shown that males selectively support their offspring during agonistic conflicts with other juveniles and father's presence accelerates maturation. Furthermore, it was invest in unrelated infants to enhance future mating success the infant's mother. Hence, infant care might provide fitness gain for males. Here, we investigate rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta ), a primate low paternity certainty as multiple partners ensure less efficiently through mate‐guarding. We combined behavioural data genetic analyses of one cohort semi‐free‐ranging population Cayo Santiago (Puerto Rico) recorded affiliative aggressive interactions between focal subjects adult from birth sexual maturation (0–4 years) subjects. Our results revealed 9.6% all involved an male 94% were affiliative, indicating rareness aggression. Second most interestingly, sires more likely affiliate than nonsires infants. This preference independent mother's proximity emphasized early infancy. Male–infant affiliation rose age pronounced rather female Overall, our suggest is also important component structuring societies directed towards own presumably represent low‐cost paternal care.