Tag

Social Structure

All articles tagged with #social structure

science8 hours ago•23 min saved

Ecology and Social Complexity Shape Primate Same-Sex Behavior

A global synthesis of 491 primate species finds that same-sex sexual behavior (SSB) is widespread and its occurrence is driven by both environmental pressures (drier habitats, food scarcity, predation) and social factors (larger sexual dimorphism, longer lifespans, more complex hierarchies). Structural equation modelling suggests environmental and life-history traits affect SSB mainly indirectly, while social complexity directly promotes it, highlighting SSB as a context-dependent trait shaping primate evolution and sexual diversity.

via Nature|

#ecology #primate #same-sex-behavior

science4 months ago•2 min saved

Shocking Footage Shows Deadly Orca Hunting Technique

Recent footage reveals that orcas use a mock drowning training exercise to teach young pod members how to hunt large prey like blue whales, highlighting their sophisticated social and hunting strategies.

via Indian Defence Review|

#hunting-techniques #marine-biology #orcas

science-and-nature1 year ago•2 min saved

"Whale Menopause: A Key to Longevity Revealed"

Scientists have found that menopause in whales, like in humans, may contribute to longer lifespans, particularly in species with a social structure where females can help their offspring and grand-offspring. The study, published in Nature, suggests that menopause allows female whales to survive longer and support their families by sharing food and knowledge. This phenomenon is observed in only five species of toothed whales, and it is believed to have evolved to prevent competition for mates with younger females. The findings highlight the parallel between human and whale societies and shed light on the evolution of menopause in mammals.

via The Independent|

#evolution #longevity #menopause

biology1 year ago•4 min saved

"The Grandmother Hypothesis: How Whale Menopause Sheds Light on Human Evolution"

Researchers at the University of Exeter studied five species of whales, including orcas and narwhals, to understand the evolutionary purpose of menopause in mammals. Their findings, published in the journal Nature, suggest that older female whales go through menopause to help care for younger generations, supporting the "grandmother hypothesis." The study compared toothed whale species that go through menopause with those that don't, finding that the former have longer lifespans, allowing for more overlap between generations in family groups. This research sheds light on the important role of grandmothers in whale social structures and may offer insights into the role of older women in human societies.

via The Washington Post|

#biology #evolution #grandmother-hypothesis

archaeology2 years ago•3 min saved

Unraveling Neolithic Lineage: France's Largest Genetic Family Tree Mapped with Ancient DNA

Archaeologists in France have reconstructed the largest-ever genetic family tree for Neolithic people using ancient DNA. The family trees, based on a 6,700-year-old funerary site in northern France, span multiple generations and include 94 individuals. The study revealed a patrilineal pattern of descent, with men staying within the community and women coming from elsewhere. The community showed no signs of inbreeding and appeared to practice monogamy. The research provides insights into the social structure and movement of Neolithic communities.

via Livescience.com|

#ancient-dna #archaeology #family-tree