Primate polyspecific associations: Do they occur by chance?

摘要: Abstract Contrary to subjective impressions, the frequency of mixed-species associations African forest primates is often no greater than would be expected by ‘chance’. Two null hypotheses predicting association are developed and compared with data on mangabeys in Kibale forest, Uganda; frequencies imply behavioural attraction case only one six species present. For other species, simpler possibilities that reflect high population density or use mutual feeding sites cannot rejected. Comparative from West suggest more ‘significant’ tendencies there. It suggested that, even where evidence indicates associate between have been favoured selection, need not benefit both species.