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The evolutionary origins of friendship.
Abstract: Convergent evidence from many species reveals the evolutionary origins of human friendship. In horses, elephants, hyenas, dolphins, monkeys, and chimpanzees, some individuals form friendships that last for years. Bonds occur among females, among males, or between males and females. Genetic relatedness affects friendships. In species where males disperse, friendships are more likely among females. If females disperse, friendships are more likely among males. Not all friendships, however, depend on kinship; many are formed between unrelated individuals. Friendships often involve cooperative interactions that are separated in time. They depend, at least in part, on the memory and emotions associated with past interactions. Applying the term "friendship" to animals is not anthropomorphic: Many studies have shown that the animals themselves recognize others' relationships. Friendships are adaptive. Male allies have superior competitive ability and improved reproductive success; females with the strongest, most enduring friendships experience less stress, higher infant survival, and live longer.
Publication Date: 2011-07-05 PubMed ID: 21740224DOI: 10.1146/annurev-psych-120710-100337Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
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Summary
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This research article discusses how evidence from the study of a variety of animal species shows the evolutionary origins of human friendship. It explains that friendship occurs across different types of relationships and can depend on cooperative interactions that occur over time.
The Origins of Friendship in Animal Species
- The researchers found that in several animals, including horses, elephants, hyenas, dolphins, monkeys, and chimpanzees, some individuals form friendships that can last for years.
- These friendships occur among females, among males, or between males and females, showing how different sexes can form long-lasting bonds.
The Role of Genetic Relatedness
- Genetic relatedness is found to impact friendships. In species where males disperse, friendships tend to occur more among females. Conversely, in species where females disperse, friendships are more likely to be formed among males.
Friendships Beyond Kinship
- Interestingly, not all friendships revolve around kinship. The study found that many friendships are established between unrelated individuals.
- Such friendships often revolve around cooperative interactions that are separated in time. This implies that these friendships depend partially on the memory and emotions linked with past interactions.
- The research also points out that labelling these bonds as “friendships” is not an anthropomorphic idea, but instead recognized by the animals themselves.
Adaptive Benefit of Friendships
- According to the study, friendships offer adaptive benefits. For example, male allies with friends have a better competitive ability and improved reproductive success.
- Females who have the strongest and most enduring friendships also gain benefits – they experience less stress, their offspring have higher survival rates, and they generally live for a longer time.
Cite This Article
APA
Seyfarth RM, Cheney DL.
(2011).
The evolutionary origins of friendship.
Annu Rev Psychol, 63, 153-177.
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-120710-100337 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 19104, USA. seyfarth@psych.upenn.edu
MeSH Terms
- Altruism
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal
- Emotions
- Evolution, Molecular
- Female
- Friends
- Humans
- Interpersonal Relations
- Male
- Social Behavior
Citations
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