Intra-specific variation in the social organisation of old world monkeys and apes
Project summary
Many
species are specialised in their social organisation, for example
baboons and chimpanzees always living in multi-male multi-female groups.
However, it has been realised that in many other species intra-specific
variation in social organisation (IVSO: variation in group composition)
exists. In collaboration with Loren Hayes from the University of
Tennessee at Chattanooga (USA), we are working on a database of all
mammalian species, collecting data on intra-specific variation in social
organisation. In the current project, a student will work on old world
(Africa and Asia) primates and apes to identify specialised and variable
species. Furthermore, data will be gathered on which mechanism might
have led to IVSO.
Database data entry:
The student will search for primary literature of field studies
reporting the social organisation of old world monkeys and apes. The
student will use specific search rules that have been developed by Hayes
and Schradin and record into the database all forms of social
organisation that have been reported per species, the number of field
studies, and additional crucial information.
Review of original studies:
For all primate species where IVSO has been identified, the student
will go through the primary literature of these field studies and
collect information that will enable us to differentiate between the
four mechanisms that can lead to IVSO (Schradin 2013). Specifically, the
student will test the hypotheses that IVSO is most common in species
that typically living in family groups with one socially monogamous
breeding pair.
Key references:
Agnan, P., Kauffmann, C., Hayes, L.D. Schradin, C. In press. Intra-specific variation in social organization of Strepsirrhines. American Journal of Primatology.
Kappeler, P.M., Schaik, C.P.v., 2002. Evolution of primate social systems. Int J Primatol 23, 707-740.
Schradin,
C., 2013. Intraspecific variation in social organization by genetic
variation, developmental plasticity, social flexibility or entirely
extrinsic factors. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. B-Biol. Sci. 368.
Desired skills from student (Compétences souhaitées)
Ability
to work hard and independently. Ability to concentrate for long periods
for database searches. Ability to communicate and write in English.
Knowledge in animal behaviour and statistical analysis.
Skills student will learn (Expertises qui seront acquises au cours de la formation)
Database
management, deep understanding of the evolution of social systems and
social organisation, management skills (project and time management),
statistical analysis, presentation of scientific results, improvement of
English skills.
Laboratoire et lieu de stage
Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien
Département d'Ecologie Physiologie et Ethologie
23, rue Becquerel
UMR 7178 CNRS UdS
67087 Strasbourg cedex 2, France
Encadrants
Dr. Carsten Schradin
Contact
Tel: +33 (0)3 88 10 69 19; carsten.schradin@iphc.cnrs.fr