Abstract
The interactions of infant vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) with their mothers were examined during the first 12 weeks of life. During this period there was a gradual rise in behaviour associated with increasing independence from the mother: female infants were slightly advanced over males on measures of decreasing contact with mothers and increasing rejections from the nipple. There were differences between the mothers in the ways they interacted with their infants such that no consistent maternal styles could be defined. Dominance rank of the mother did however influence her behaviour towards her infant, and high ranking mothers tended to be less rejecting towards sons, but more rejecting towards daughters, than were low ranking mothers. It is suggested that since vervet mothers have access to allomothers they may not be limited to dichotomous mothering styles.
Published Version
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