New research reveals the significant impact of father-daughter relationships on the survival of female baboons. The study, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, highlights how paternal care, even in subtle forms, can extend the lifespan of offspring.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Notre Dame, examined the Amboseli ecosystem in East Africa. They found that strong father-daughter bonds correlate with a longer lifespan for female baboons. This research offers insights into the evolutionary roots of parental care.
Researchers observed 216 female baboons and their fathers. They discovered that daughters who co-resided with their fathers for three or more years lived two to four years longer. This suggests that paternal presence provides crucial benefits.
The study also evaluated grooming habits, which serve as a measure of social bonding. Strong grooming relationships between fathers and daughters were linked to increased survival. This indicates the importance of social interaction in baboon society.
Elizabeth Archie, professor of biological sciences at Notre Dame, noted that male baboons often transition into a "dad mode" later in life. This allows them to invest more time in their offspring. Fathers can create a safety zone for their daughters.
The Amboseli Baboon Research Project, which began in 1971, provided the data for this study. The project is one of the longest-running primate studies globally. It is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).