Sexual conflict in primates

Evol Anthropol. 2011 Mar-Apr;20(2):62-75. doi: 10.1002/evan.20297.

Abstract

Sexual conflict is increasingly recognized as a major force for evolutionary change and holds great potential for delineating variation in primate behavior and morphology. The goals of this review are to highlight the rapidly rising field of sexual conflict and the ongoing shift in our understanding of interactions between the sexes. We discuss the evidence for sexual conflict within the Order Primates, and assess how studies of primates have illuminated and can continue to increase our understanding of sexual conflict and sexual selection. Finally, we introduce a framework for understanding the behavioral, anatomical, and genetic expression of sexual conflict across primate mating systems and suggest directions for future research.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution*
  • Conflict, Psychological*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Models, Biological
  • Primates / anatomy & histology
  • Primates / genetics
  • Primates / physiology*
  • Reproduction
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal*