2023-07-22 19:09:00
A new study published in the journal Science presents a significant advance in our understanding of how the environment shapes social behavior. By studying colobines, researchers have discovered that adaptations to cold climates have a profound influence on the social evolution of the species.
Adaptations to cold climates appear to have been essential in facilitating improved maternal care, improving infant survival, and supporting the development of large and complex multilevel societies.
The study was conducted by a global team of researchers representing North West University in China, the University of Bristol in the UK and the University of Western Australia.
Purpose of the study
Researchers set out to explore how odd-nosed langurs and monkeys in the Asian colobine family evolved and adapted over time. These particular primates have found ways to thrive in environments ranging from tropical rainforests to snowy mountainous terrain.
According to researchers, colobine monkeys have distinct types of social organizations. This is an opportunity to analyze the different mechanisms that govern their social evolution. The experts wanted to trace the evolutionary journey from a common ancestral state to the various social systems these primates now exhibit.
What the researchers found
By combining ecological, geological, fossil, behavioral and genomic analyses, scientists have found that colobine primates living in colder climates tend to form larger and more complex groups. Experts have also determined that the ice ages of the last six million years favored the selection of genes critical for cold-related energy metabolism and neuro-hormonal regulation.
Among the most notable discoveries was the adaptation of odd-nosed monkeys living in extremely cold regions. These primates had evolved hormonal pathways, particularly dopamine and oxytocin, that were not only more effective but might also extend the duration of maternal care. This led to longer breastfeeding periods and a significant increase in infant survival rates.
According to the researchers, such adaptive changes appear to have strengthened relationships between individuals, amplified male tolerance, and ultimately precipitated the evolution from independent single-male and multiple-female groups to large, complex, multilevel societies.
Significance of the study
“Our study has identified, for the first time, a genetically regulated adaptation linked to the evolution of social systems in primates,” said Dr Kit Opie from the Department of Anthropology and Archeology at the University of Bristol.
“This finding offers new insights into the mechanisms underlying behavioral evolution in primates and might be used to address social evolutionary changes in a wide range of species, including humans. »
“Furthermore, we would like to examine how changes in social and mating behavior in many primate species may be the result of genetic changes due to past environments as well as other social and environmental factors. »
Future consequences
Dr Cyril Grueter from the University of Western Australia highlighted the urgent urgency of climate change and its potential impact on animals. “As climate change becomes an extremely significant environmental pressure on animals, it is hoped that this study will raise awareness of the need to investigate the course that social evolution will take as climate change prevails. »
“Our finding that complex multilevel societies have roots dating back to climatic events in the distant evolutionary past also has implications for a reconstruction of the human social system that is decidedly multilevel. »
Learn regarding Asian Colobin Monkeys
Asian colobine monkeys are a group of Old World monkeys belonging to the subfamily Colobinae, which is part of the family Cercopithecidae. Colobine monkeys differ from other Old World monkeys in a number of ways, including their adaptation to a folivorous (leaf-eater) diet.
Monkeys are found throughout Africa and Asia, but Asian colobines are a distinct group with several characteristics. They are distinguished by their elongated body, long tail and slender limbs. Most species are arboreal (arboreal) and their physical characteristics are adapted to a life in trees. Their hands are elongated and dexterous, allowing them to skillfully manipulate leaves, their main source of food.
Asian colobine monkeys are known for their complex, multi-chambered cow-like stomachs. This adaptation allows them to ferment tough plant matter, breaking down cellulose to extract nutrients. This is an essential adaptation for their leaf diet, as the leaves are generally low in energy and high in hard-to-digest fiber.
Well Known Examples of Asian Colobine Monkeys
Langurs
These monkeys are often gray or black and live in social groups. One of the most famous is the Hanuman langur from India, named following the Hindu god Hanuman.
Leaf Monkeys
These monkeys are known for their varied coloration, ranging from golden to dark brown or black. The lutung, or dusky leaf monkey, is an example of this genus.
snub-nosed monkeys
These monkeys are characterized by their short noses with upturned nostrils. They are found in China, Vietnam and parts of the Himalayas.
Singes proboscis
Native to Borneo, these monkeys are best known for their large, hanging noses, which are particularly pronounced in males.
Asian colobines are generally quite sociable, living in groups that can range from a few individuals to several dozen. They have complex social structures and behaviors, with both male and female hierarchies. Like many primate species, they use a variety of vocalizations and physical gestures to communicate with each other.
Many species of Asian colobine are threatened due to habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade. They are often at the center of conservation efforts, as their loss can have significant impacts on the ecosystems they inhabit.
Image credit: Guanlai Ouyang
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