Current Socioecological Model

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Socioecology is the study of how environmental variables influence primate group size, composition and social dynamics. Such variables include avoiding predation, finding and ingesting sufficient food and water, finding mates, and achieving effective thermoregulation. Although the current socioecological model treats males and females differently in regards to the limiting factors of male and female fitness (Fuentes, 2011). The basic assumption of the model assumes that the distribution of females is primarily determined by the distribution of risks and resources in the environment. Hence, the primary concern of females is protection of their offspring and the availability of food for their offspring. As opposed to, the males disperse themselves by the distribution of available females, which assumes males are most concerned with finding their mate. The model then assumes that variation in predation and abundance and distribution of food affects the relationships of females by the competitive regime. Increase in predation risk, animals form in groups to reduce such endangerment. Overall the current socioecology is defined by the risks of endangerment, food availability and mating in the case of males. Understanding the current socioecology helps us better understand what happens within groups after incorporating these variables by predicting outcomes. These predictions of outcomes are called “social syndromes” by dividing them into different “scenarios” of environmental pressures (Thierry, 2008). The research done by White on Lemur catta illustrates the current socioecological model by showing how different environmental factors affect the social status and reproductive success of individuals (White et al., 2007). The experiment also shows how food distribution pattern affect the social hierarchy with in a group. In the case of the Lemur catta on St.
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