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Anthropology/non human primate aggressive behavior

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Expert: - 11/12/2009


Question
Is appropriate to use studies of aggression in nonhuman primates as a guide to the levels of aggression that may have existed in Australopithecus?  

Answer
Kati,
I would say yes, but only in a strategic  perspective.  That is, the costs and benefits of differing levels of aggression among australopithecines are
probably governed by similar forces to those at work among nonhuman primates.  So, aggressive behavior more likely if it results in a gain in reproductive success at marginal cost.
I would be  very skeptical, though about seeing the role of aggression among any living nonhuman primate as exactly like that among australopithecies (i.e. as a referential analogy).
I hope this helps.
Cheers
John Shea

Anthropology

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John Shea

Expertise

Questions about Old World prehistoric archaeology (especially Stone Age) of Europe, Africa, and Western Asia, prehistoric human and hominid behavior, primitive technology, origin of modern humans, extinction of the Neandertals.

Experience

>20 years as a professional anthropologist based at a research university.

Publications
Journal of Field Archaeology, Journal of Archaeological Science, Lithic Technology, Evolutionary Anthropology, Current Anthropology, Mitekufat HaEven (Journal of the Israel Prehistoric Society), Paléorient, Annual of the Department of Antiquities of Jordan, American Anthropologist, Geoarchaeology.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D (Anthropology) Harvard University, 1991.
BA (Archaeology) Boston University, 1982.

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