| Popis: |
This article discusses the behavioral patterns,influencing factors,functions and risks of social play in primates,including information from published references and a study of Rhinopithecus roxellana by the authors.Social play involves the interaction between two or more individuals who often adjust to or influence the others′ behavior.Play behavior is common among immature primates and can affect present individual survival and future reproductive success.The categories of social play in primates include common behaviors such as chasing,wrestling and jumping.Some species have developed novel behaviors such as play panting in chimpanzees(Pan troglodyte),spinning in vervet monkeys(Cercopithecus aethiops) and bridging in Tibetan macaques(Macaca thibetana).Generally,primates play most during late infancy and early juvenility,after which the average frequency of play behavior will gradually decline through adolescence to adulthood.The play behaviors of species which are evolutionarily closest to humans are more complicated and human-like than those of less developed species.Immature males often engage more in social play than females of the same age,but this varies with species,age and other factors,and in some cases the opposite is true.When selecting play partners,young primates appear to have a preference for partners who are kin,of the same sex,of similar age,and of similar dominance status because of the similarity in play motivation,less risk of being hurt,and the opportunity to form social allies.Individuals who prefer playing with partners of high dominance have increased access to food,water resources and opportunities for copulation.The frequency of play behavior of individuals living in high quality habitat is usually higher than that of individuals with low quality habitat.The same is true for individuals in larger groups and with an abundance of food compared to those in smaller groups and with a scarcity of food,respectively.Play behavior is also affected by play area,ambient temperature,familiarity among play partners and other environmental factors.For example,the play frequency of young golden monkeys(Rhinopithecus roxellana) changes with the season.In conclusion,the development of social play in non-human primates is thought to be related not only to environmental parameters such as availability of food,configuration of the play area,group size and season but also to factors related to the community itself such as age,sex,kinship and relative dominance of play partners.While engaging in play behavior,immature primates can develop improved physical fitness and survival skills,establish social relationships,enhance cognitive ability,develop troop culture and adapt to changes in the surrounding environment.These skills facilitate the transition from infant to juvenile to adult and the ability to perform the social responsibilities expected at each stage.However,social play is also risky because individuals may get injured,disabled,or even die during play.Social play,as a kind of behavioral culture in primates,should be further studied,especially in less developed species.We believe future studies on primate play will be more innovative and of higher scientific rigor.What is currently known about social play in primates should be applied to their protection and utilization. |
