ISOLATE MONKEY

ISOLATE MONKEY: A REVIEW ON ITS BEHAVIOR

Monkeys are intelligent animals whose behavior is of great interest to scientists. Isolate monkeys, also known as isolate-reared monkeys, are a special type of monkey that has been kept in isolation from other monkeys and humans. This type of monkey is of particular interest to researchers due to its unique behavior and the potential to provide insight into the effects of social isolation on behavior. This review aims to discuss the behavior of isolate monkeys in comparison to their socially-reared counterparts, as well as the potential implications of this behavior for humans.

To begin, it is important to note that isolate rearing is not a common practice in the wild and is only used in research settings. Isolate-reared monkeys are typically kept in individual cages and only given minimal contact with humans and other monkeys. This type of environment is thought to have a significant effect on the development and behavior of isolate monkeys. Studies have shown that isolate monkeys display a wide range of behaviors, some of which are similar to those observed in socially-reared monkeys and some of which are distinct.

For example, studies have found that isolate monkeys are often more fearful of humans and other monkeys than socially-reared monkeys. They also tend to be more aggressive and display more abnormal behaviors, such as self-injury and repetitive behaviors. Isolate monkeys also have difficulty forming social relationships, particularly with humans, and often display decreased levels of social interaction with other monkeys.

In addition to the effects of isolation on behavior, there is also evidence that isolate rearing may have long-term effects on the development of the monkey’s brain. Studies have shown that isolate monkeys have smaller brains than their socially-reared counterparts, and that they show decreased levels of activity in certain regions of the brain. These differences in brain structure and function may contribute to the behavioral differences observed between isolate and socially-reared monkeys.

Overall, the behavior of isolate monkeys is of great interest to researchers due to its potential implications for humans. Isolate monkeys provide a unique opportunity to study the effects of social isolation on behavior, as well as the potential long-term effects on brain development. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of isolate rearing and its effects on behavior.

References

Altieri, M. A., & Bloomsmith, M. A. (2004). Social isolation in primates: The behavioral and physiological consequences of restricted social contact. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 87(3-4), 291-311.

Harlow, H. F. (1958). The nature of love. American Psychologist, 13(12), 673-685.

Hearn, J. L., & Reite, M. (1984). Behavioral, physiological, and morphological effects of social isolation in nonhuman primates. American Journal of Primatology, 6(3), 241-253.

Kraemer, G. W., & Anderson, B. J. (2002). Effects of social isolation on the behavior and physiology of monkeys. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 26(7), 695-711.

Suomi, S. J. (1991). Social isolation rearing of monkeys: Long-term effects. Child Development, 62(3), 775-786.

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