Theoretical notes on primate sociobiology: defense and extension

概要

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Theoretical framework of sociobiology can be regarded as Lakatosian "advanced research program, " which has high probability of problem solution and a flexible metaphysical structure. Some theories, however, should be expanded to apply to primate behavior, because a lot of primate behavior does not seem to have direct genetical bases. Learning ability of primates is higher than that of non-primates and some of higher primates even show cultural behavior. So that, it is necessary to clear up the relation between phenotype and behavior to establish primate sociobiology. For this purpose, a new concept on their relation, the "phenotype/sub-phenotype network" model, is presented here. If a behavioral parameter is genetically determined phenotype, behavior(s) which are influenced with this parameter can be called "sub-phenotype(s)." I also discuss some theories on cultural transmission and evolution, and confirm that the framework of sociobiology is useful to reveal this problem. These theories and models will provide fruitful perspectives on human origin and evolution, applied to primate pre-cultural behavior. Finally I discuss some problems and perspectives on primate sociobiology. On the development of primate sociobiology, it seems to be emergent and important to apply multiple variate genetic theory that has been developed by R. Lande.
日本霊長類学会の論文