Sex bonding and dominance in bonobos

Abstract

The mating behavior of the apes is comical, complex and fascinating. Chimpanzee societies are physically aggressive, male-bonded and male-dominated. Their close relatives (and ours), the bonobos, differ: females bond with one another, form coalitions, and dominate males. Some researchers are reluctant to consider, let alone acknowledge, female dominance in bonobos. Dr Amy Parish looks at how these findings change our views of evolution and ourselves.