Unit 8
Primate Life Histories and Development

In this unit we explore developmental stages through the life span of a typical individual primate, from infancy to late adulthood. We will discuss the challenges individuals face during each stage of development, and how their behaviour changes over these periods. Because primates are typically characterized as having prolonged developmental periods relative to many other mammals, the years before entering adulthood are critical for learning the ecological, social, and physical skills necessary for their survival and success as adults. This unit will also look at the issue of post-reproductive behaviour in human and non-human primates.

Objectives

When you have completed Unit 8, you should be able to

1. describe the different kinds of care primates might receive during infancy, other than that received from mothers.
2. explain how the hormone prolactin affects maternal behaviour in female primates.
3. explain how weaning represents a conflict between mother and offspring.
4. describe the challenges faced by primates in the juvenile stage of life.
5. describe the behavioural changes that take place at puberty in non-human primates.
6. discuss the data related to adulthood and aging in primates, and how they relate to the data on human aging.
7. discuss the importance of play in the physical and social development of young primates.

Viewing Assignments

In preparation for the final examination, you must watch at least four videos of the five options listed in Units 6 through 11. Each unit gives you two video options, so that by the end of Unit 11 you should have watched four videos from these five options:

The New Chimpanzees or The Nut-Cracking Chimpanzees of Tai Forest
Family of Chimps or Primate/Human Interaction
Can Chimpanzees Talk or Ape Genius
Gremlins: Faces in the Forest or 3 Monkeys
The Rain Forest Imperative or Gorillas in the Midst of Man

It does not matter the order in which you watch your video options, but the viewing assignments for each unit offer you a guide. Remember, completing a viewing assignment differs from watching a video for pleasure. You should consider watching each video twice: once to get an overview, and once to make notes. Study questions or instructions for viewing are supplied for each video; be certain that you read them over before you begin watching, and keep them in mind as you complete the assignment and make your notes.

Unit 8 Viewing Assignment

Catch up, or move ahead with any of the viewing assignments in Units 6-11.

Unit 8 Alternative Reading Assignment

Catch up, or move ahead with any of the alternate reading assignments in Units 6-11.