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  • Title: Altruistic interference shown by the alpha-female of a captive troop of rhesus monkeys.
    Author: Reinhardt V, Dodsworth R, Scanlan J.
    Journal: Folia Primatol (Basel); 1986; 46(1):44-50. PubMed ID: 3732969.
    Abstract:
    Interferences in aggressive disputes were recorded in a captive troop of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) comprising 19 mature females, 2 mature males and 12 immatures. The top ranking animal - the oldest female, Alpha, 23 years of age - was the only one who consistently interfered in favor of victims, never of aggressors. This protective, dispute-breaking strategy was distinguished by the following facts: None of the supported monkeys shared genes with Alpha; Alpha had no preference for aiding particular individuals; Alpha's high-risk interference (against aggressors) was never reciprocated; and (4) there was no evidence that Alpha's strategy aimed at the improvement of dominance standing. It was concluded that Alpha's behavior may represent an example of altruism.
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