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% 



^ 



Ml 



Nonmother grooms mother to gain access to infant 



In one sense, Barbary macaques are much like hu- 

 mans. Each animal knows the identities of monkeys 

 with power, and they also have some idea of kinship 

 and friendship. They form social networks that rival 

 the most complex political organizations, and they act 

 on those alliances. Males join together to oust another 

 male from the top position of power, or related females 

 band together to keep other females from getting the 

 best food. Thus, friendships, especially well established 

 ones, have profound evolutionary consequences. 



Like campaigning politicians, adult male and female 

 macaques enlist infants in their personal causes. In re- 

 turn, these responsible adults form a day-care system 

 for infants that allows mothers time to get on with 

 other things. Infants benefit most of all — they quickly 

 learn the maze of social relationships that will mold 

 their lives. And as an added attraction, they get to fly 

 through the forest astride big furrry males, watching 

 the frantic hubbub of their monkey-world from a safe 

 position. 



28 



Mother (left) joins nonmother 

 in baby greet. 



