Grace Defaria
Research Mentor(s): Alexandra Rosati
Mentor Department: Psychology
Authors: Grace deFaria, Mayte Martínez, Alexandra Rosati
Session: Session 6 (3:00pm – 3:50pm)
Presentation Type: Poster 4
Abstract
Temperament refers to consistent individual differences in psychological traits that determine behavioral tendencies, and is thought to be a core component of personality. Chimpanzees, like humans, can exhibit distinct temperaments when measured in experimental tasks, as well as show different patterns of behavior and dominance positions within their social groups. However, it is currently unclear how temperamental traits like boldness may affect an individual’s access to higher positions in the social hierarchy, granting better access to resources and potentially biological fitness. In this study, we investigate the relationship between temperament and social behaviour in semi-free ranging chimpanzees (n = 44) living at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Uganda. Temperament was assessed using a 10-item questionnaire completed by animal caretakers that have worked with these chimpanzees for years. Additionally, social behaviors such as grooming, proximity, and aggression, were recorded through focal observations of the individual chimpanzees interacting in their social group, allowing us to determine the chimpanzee’s behavioral patterns and dominance position in the group. First, we validated the questionnaire by assessing inter-rater consistency among keepers. Second, we tested relationships between the temperament dimensions to identify personality components (e.g., individuals rated high in friendliness might also be scored high in helpfulness). Finally, we compared questionnaire-derived scores with observations of natural social behaviors to examine whether chimpanzees’ temperament predicts their behavior and position in the group, including testing whether high-rank individuals scored higher in questions about dominance and aggressiveness. These findings will contribute to understanding how personality shapes behavior and biological outcomes in chimpanzees allowing us to better understand the evolutionary basis of human personality and the traits associated with advantageous social positioning.
