On the origins of body size dimorphism in primates

Abstract

Among many explanations concerning the origins of dimorphism in Primates, none has received as little attention as the differences in energy requirements of the two sexes. It is hypothesised that among Primates, a common strategy for overcoming the extra metabolic load of pregnency and lactation experienced by females during the greater part of their adult lifetimes, is for them to reduce their bodyweights relative to those of males. Such a strategy allows the mother plus infant combination to weight approximately as much as the species target weight or slightly less, preserving the balance between the species and the environment.