Question

3. Explain at least three reasons that primates spend so much time grooming each other.

Answer 1

1. For socializing and mating

The grooming is the way of the primate to socialize with other individuals of the species. They form a friendly atmosphere through grooming each other. for grooming to take place, the individual needs to invade the private space of another individual. So, the more you groom, the more you get closer. So they can mate if the mood arises.

2. For keeping them clean and free of external parasites.

By the method of grooming, they are actually cleaning and cleansing the bodies of each other. By cleaning, if there was any external parasites present on the body of one individual, the other individual is able to remove it. Grooming removes dirt, insects, parasites, dead skin, tangled fur etc.

3. To reduce tension and stress

Primates groom each other when they are in stress and tension to reduce each other's tension. They also groom each other when they feel bored. It is also an expression of altruism.