The effect of food deprivation on intergroup relations in rhesus monkeys

Abstract

Behavior between two enclosed social groups of Macaca mulatta was studied during conditions of normal food ration, and under severe food deprivation. Agonistic behavior decreased under deprivation while nonagonistic behavior increased. Overall frequency of intergroup interactions decreased. The results with respect to aggression are comparable to studies of intragroup behavior. The increase in nonagonistic behavior may be a fundamental difference from the intragroup response to food shortage.