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The Structure of Bonobo Copulation Calls During Reproductive and Non-Reproductive Sex.

Clay, Zanna; Zuberbühler, Klaus

Authors

Klaus Zuberbühler



Abstract

Copulation calls in primates are usually identified as sexually selected signals that promote the reproductive success of the caller. In this study, we investigated the acoustic structure of copulation calls in bonobos (Pan paniscus), a great ape known for its heightened socio-sexuality. Throughout their cycles, females engage in sexual relations with both males and other females and produce copulation calls with both partners. We found that calls produced during sexual interactions with male and female partners could not be reliably distinguished in terms of their acoustic structure, despite major differences in mating behaviour and social context. Call structure was equally unaffected by the size of a female’s sexual swelling and by the rank of her mating partner. Rank of the partner did affect call delivery although only with male, but not female partners. The only strong effect on call structure was because of caller identity, suggesting that these signals primarily function to broadcast individual identity during sexual interactions. This primarily social use of an evolved reproductive signal is consistent with a broader trend seen in this species, namely a transition of sexual behaviour to social functions.

Citation

Clay, Z., & Zuberbühler, K. (2011). The Structure of Bonobo Copulation Calls During Reproductive and Non-Reproductive Sex. Ethology: international journal of behavioural biology, 117(12), 1158-1169. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0310.2011.01975.x

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Sep 15, 2011
Online Publication Date Oct 24, 2011
Publication Date 2011-12
Deposit Date Apr 19, 2017
Journal Ethology
Print ISSN 0179-1613
Electronic ISSN 1439-0310
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 117
Issue 12
Pages 1158-1169
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0310.2011.01975.x
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1389075



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