Friendships and Social Networks in an Individual-Based Model of Primate Social Behaviour

Authored by Cedric Sueur, Ivan Puga-Gonzalez

Date Published: 2017

DOI: 10.18564/jasss.3450

Sponsors: National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT)

Platforms: NetLogo

Model Documentation: Other Narrative Mathematical description

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

The individual-based model GrooFiWorld proposes a parsimonious theory explaining the complex behaviour of macaque societies. It suggests that the socio-spatial structure of the group underlies the emergence of complex behaviour. A spatial structure with dominants at the center and subordinates at the periphery emerges due to aggression. This structure influences the distribution of social interactions: individuals interact more with close-by partners and thus several behavioural patterns emerge. In GrooFiWorld, however, individuals have no preferential interactions; whereas in primates, individuals prefer interactions with `friends'. The distribution of interactions, then, may be influenced by `friendships' rather than spatial structure. To study this, here, we omitted space from the model and investigated the effects of `friendships' on the emergence of social behaviour and network structure. Results show that `friendships' promote cooperation but fail to produce other patterns characteristic of macaques. This highlights the importance that spatial structure may have in structuring macaque societies.
Tags
Individual-based model Social networks Evolution Cooperation Aggression perspective Partner choice grooming Organization Metaanalysis Monkeys Macaca-mulatta Barbary macaques Reciprocal altruism Friendships Macaque societies