Complex patterns of signalling to convey different social goals of sex in bonobos, Pan paniscus.

ABSTRACT: Sexual behaviour in bonobos (Pan paniscus) functions beyond mere reproduction to mediate social interactions and relationships. In this study, we assessed the signalling behaviour in relation to four social goals of sex in this species: appeasement after conflict, tension reduction, social bonding and reproduction. Overall, sexual behaviour was strongly decoupled from its ancestral reproductive function with habitual use in the social domain, which was accompanied by a corresponding complexity in communication behaviour. We found that signalling behaviour varied systematically depending on the initiator's goals and gender. Although all gestures and vocalisations were part of the species-typical communication repertoire, they were often combined and produced flexibly. Generally, gestures an

SUBMITTER: Genty E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4633609 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature