Primates differ from other mammals in that they live in social groups based on the extended family. Within a group of primates, each individual recognizes the other members of its extended family and the entire extended family cooperates as a unit.
Studies of Hamadryas baboons in Ethiopia have shown that they do not live in promiscuous borders.
Although the troops might contain 60 members or more it is broken down into smaller family units, each with only one sexually active male and one or more females.
There seems to be no cross-mating among these family units. Studies of some other primate species indicate that they have similar family-like units.
Chimpanzees have strong emotional ties between members of a troop. Quarrels are rather frequent between these easily enraged animals but there is also marked tendency to settle such disputes quickly without asking questions of ‘guilt’.
A chimp after having been threatened or attacked by an animal of superior rank, ‘may follow the aggressor, screaming and crouching to the ground or holding out of his hand.
Family structure of primates
