Social effects on foraging behavior and success depend on local environmental conditions

摘要: In social groups, individuals' dominance rank, bonds, and kinship with other group members have been shown to influence their foraging behavior. However, there is growing evidence that the particular effects of these traits may also depend on local environmental conditions. We investigated this by comparing behavior wild chacma baboons, Papio ursinus, under natural conditions in a field experiment where food was spatially clumped. Data were collected from 55 animals across two troops over 5-month period, including 900 agonistic interactions 600 patch visits each condition. both conditions, low-ranked individuals received more agonism, but only translated into reduced performances for high-competition experimental Our results suggest one possible reason pattern be strategically investing effort negotiate tolerance, rank-offsetting effect investment being overwhelmed higher-competition environment. use imbalances bonds tolerance others wider range utilize overall strength extreme environments feeding competition intense. These findings highlight behavioral tactics such as strategic allow foragers mitigate costs low effectiveness likely limited certain environments.