Infant Killing in Primates: A Review of Observed Cases with Specific Reference to the Sexual Selection Hypothesis

摘要: Discussion of infant killing in free-ranging primates has focused on the sexual selection hypothesis developed by Hrdy during mid-1970s. This suggests that is a form competition whereby an infanticidal male gains reproductive advantage selectively offspring his rivals. Despite criticisms evidence support distorted misinterpretation data and observer bias, hypothesis, bolstered part additional reports infanticide variety specks, become entrenched as primary explanatory for primate infanticide. However, majority reliably documented instances come from very small number species, careful examination specific context each these episodes fails to interpretation primatewide adaptive complex. Most importantly, atmosphere generalized inter- intrasexual aggression surrounds killings obscures evolutionary significance this behavior.