Social networks in primates : smart and tolerant species have more efficient networks
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.
Citation
Pasquaretta , C , Leve , M , Claidiere , N , van de Waal , E , Whiten , A , MacIntosh , A J J , Pele , M , Bergstrom , M L , Borgeaud , C , Brosnan , S F , Crofoot , M C , Fedigan , L M , Fichtel , C , Hopper , L M , Mareno , M C , Petit , O , Schnoell , A V , di Sorrentino , E P , Thierry , B , Tiddi , B & Sueur , C 2014 , ' Social networks in primates : smart and tolerant species have more efficient networks ' , Scientific Reports , vol. 4 , 7600 . https://doi.org/10.1038/srep07600
Publication
Scientific Reports
Status
Peer reviewed
ISSN
2045-2322Type
Journal article
Description
E.W., A.W. and the vervet monkeys data were funded Sinergia grant (CRSI33_133040) from the Swiss National Science Foundation to R. Bshary, C. P. van Schaik, and A.W. L.H. and S.F.B. were supported by NSF CAREER Award 0847351 to S.F.B. Date of Acceptance: 03/12/2014Collections
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