Social networks in primates: smart and tolerant species have more efficient networks.

ABSTRACT: Network optimality has been described in genes, proteins and human communicative networks. In the latter, optimality leads to the efficient transmission of information with a minimum number of connections. Whilst studies show that differences in centrality exist in animal networks with central individuals having higher fitness, network efficiency has never been studied in animal groups. Here we studied 78 groups of primates (24 species). We found that group size and neocortex ratio were correlated with network efficiency. Centralisation (whether several individuals are central in the group) and modularity (how a group is clustered) had opposing effects on network efficiency, showing that tolerant species have more efficient networks. Such network properties affecting individual fitness cou

SUBMITTER: Pasquaretta C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4274513 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature