Jones CB (January, 2004) The number of adult females in groups of polygynous howler monkeys (Alouatta spp.): theoretical inferences. Primate Report 68: 7-25.
Abstract: Several reports have documented that adult female group size in polygynous howler monkeys (Alouatta spp.) rarely exceeds 4. This paper evaluates three schemas for the interpretation of this phenomenon: (1) a simple game theoretical model; (2) the resource dispersion hypothesis; and, (3) certain models of reproductive skew. Similarities among these schemas are noted, and their possible utility in explaining differences between the typically polygynandrous A. palliata and typically polygynous species of the genus is discussed. Suggestions for future research are proposed, including, data required to test each schema.
Abstract: Several reports have documented that adult female group size in polygynous howler monkeys (Alouatta spp.) rarely exceeds 4. This paper evaluates three schemas for the interpretation of this phenomenon: (1) a simple game theoretical model; (2) the resource dispersion hypothesis; and, (3) certain models of reproductive skew. Similarities among these schemas are noted, and their possible utility in explaining differences between the typically polygynandrous A. palliata and typically polygynous species of the genus is discussed. Suggestions for future research are proposed, including, data required to test each schema.