A primatologist observes a troop of 120 monkeys. 30% are juveniles, and the rest are adults. If 20% of the adults are dominant males and each dominant male interacts socially with 8 other individuals daily, while juveniles interact with 5 on average, what is the total number of daily social interactions recorded, assuming each interaction is counted once per pair?

Tue, 05 May 2026 19:54:35 +0000

A primatologist observes a troop of 120 monkeys. 30% are juveniles, meaning 36 young individuals, while the remaining 84 are adults. Among these adults, 20% are dominant males—so that’s 17 individuals typically guiding social dynamics. When each dominant male interacts with 8 others daily, and juveniles engage with 5, the real question becomes: how many unique social interactions occur each day? It’s a puzzle that reveals how primate groups maintain cohesion—inviting fresh insight into the complexity of animal societies. --- Why Track Social Interactions in Monkey Troops?
This seemingly niche observation reflects a growing interest in primate behavior amid rising curiosity about animal intelligence, group dynamics, and conservation. Social networks in monkeys serve as natural analogs to human social systems, offering researchers critical data on communication, hierarchy, and emotional bonds. With primate research gaining traction online—especially through documentaries, podcasts, and citizen science projects—questions like daily interaction counts spark tangible interest. Understanding these patterns deepens public appreciation for wildlife and aids scientifically grounded conservation efforts across the US and beyond. ---