Altruistic interference shown by the alpha-female of a captive troop of rhesus monkeys.
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.
D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology*; D000533:Altruism; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008251:Macaca; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D008297:Male