Altruistic Interference Shown by the Alpha-Female of a Captive Troop of Rhesus Monkeys

Abstract

Interferences in aggressive disputes were recorded in a captive troop of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) comprising 19 mature females, 2 mature males and 12 immatures. The top ranking animal – the oldest female, Alpha, 23 years of age – was the only one who consistently interfered in favor of victims, never of aggressors. This protective, dispute-breaking strategy was distinguished by the following facts: (1) None of the supported monkeys shared genes with Alpha; (2) Alpha had no preference for aiding particular individuals; (3) Alpha’s high-risk interference (against aggressors) was never reciprocated; and (4) there was no evidence that Alpha’s strategy aimed at the improvement of dominance standing. It was concluded that Alpha’s behavior may represent an example of altruism.

Continuity versus (political) correctness: Animal models and human aggression.

“…However, as we read it, the relationships of low or unrealistically high self-esteem to aggression may be similar, in that the individual is frustrated in achieving status and its accoutrements through socially approved activities and so may be particularly prone to anger and aggression when confronted by status challenge. that other group members may get involved either as seconds (Pereira, 1989;Silk, 1992) or in an attempt to control and defuse the situation (Reinhardt, Dodsworth, & Scanlan, 1986), and humans have contributed the factor that challenges may be purely verbal (and often quite inventive). They have also invented a very encompassing form of sequestrable resource: money.…”