E-Thesis 329 views 56 downloads
Testing comparative predictions of primate natal coat function hypotheses using continuous coat conspicuousness quantification / EWAN SUTTIE
Swansea University Author: EWAN SUTTIE
Abstract
Many species of primates have natal coats in infancy that can be lighter, darker, or an entirely different colour to that of adults. Sometimes these appear highly conspicuous, at least to humans, which is unusual for ontogenetic colour change for infants without any intrinsic defence. Previous compa...
| Published: |
Swansea, Wales, UK
2023
|
|---|---|
| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Master of Research |
| Degree name: | MRes |
| Supervisor: | Allen, William. and King, Andrew. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa63348 |
| Abstract: |
Many species of primates have natal coats in infancy that can be lighter, darker, or an entirely different colour to that of adults. Sometimes these appear highly conspicuous, at least to humans, which is unusual for ontogenetic colour change for infants without any intrinsic defence. Previous comparative studies have tested various hypotheses as to what the benefit of a bright coat could be to the most vulnerable individuals in a group, and currently there is weak equivocal support for several different hypotheses. The main weakness of previous studies has been quantifying the great diversity of natal coat phenotypes in as little as two or three restrictive categories. In this study, primate natal coats are measured on a continuous scale of conspicuousness to more accurately represent the great interspecies variety of natal coats. In this hypothesis-driven study, phylogenetic comparative method were used to test comparative predictions about the function of primate natal coats. Results showed infanticidal behaviour, small relative testes mass, and ventral carriage of infants were all significantly associated with primate natal coat conspicuousness. The results suggest evidence to support the hypothesis that natal coats act as a signal to out-group, hostile males that the infant will be defended by other group members if the male attempts infanticide. This study furthers knowledge of an unusual form type of ontogenetic colour change that is currently unexplained and rarely seen in mammals and suggests that infanticide is a key selective pressure in many primate societies. |
|---|---|
| Item Description: |
A selection of third party content is redacted or is partially redacted from this thesis due to copyright restrictions. |
| Keywords: |
Primate, conspicuous natal coat, colouration, comparative study |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |