Social networks in primates: smart and tolerant species have more efficient networks.
Details
Serval ID
serval:BIB_CD09C17E5428
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Social networks in primates: smart and tolerant species have more efficient networks.
Journal
Scientific Reports
ISSN
2045-2322 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
2045-2322
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2014
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
4
Pages
7600
Language
english
Abstract
Network optimality has been described in genes, proteins and human communicative networks. In the latter, optimality leads to the efficient transmission of information with a minimum number of connections. Whilst studies show that differences in centrality exist in animal networks with central individuals having higher fitness, network efficiency has never been studied in animal groups. Here we studied 78 groups of primates (24 species). We found that group size and neocortex ratio were correlated with network efficiency. Centralisation (whether several individuals are central in the group) and modularity (how a group is clustered) had opposing effects on network efficiency, showing that tolerant species have more efficient networks. Such network properties affecting individual fitness could be shaped by natural selection. Our results are in accordance with the social brain and cultural intelligence hypotheses, which suggest that the importance of network efficiency and information flow through social learning relates to cognitive abilities.
Keywords
Animals, Behavior, Animal/physiology, Female, Haplorhini, Humans, Lemur, Male, Models, Biological, Social Behavior, Social Support
Pubmed
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
04/07/2017 8:45
Last modification date
20/08/2019 16:47