Primate behavior is best studied from the perspective of behavioral ecology, which looks at the ecology and evolution of traits by focusing on their adaptive value and by placing behaviors in the context of trade-offs between costs and benefits. Although there is considerable variation in specific behaviors within and between primate species, some generalities apply to all primates. Primates are highly social and have strong mother–infant bonds. All primates strengthen social bonds through grooming. Primate societies have dominance hierarchies, although their influence on social interactions is variable. Some individuals in all primate societies disperse to other groups (or to live alone), with males being more likely to disperse in some groups, and females in others. Dispersal affects social relationships that develop between kin. Studies of the behavior and ecology of individual primate species reveals a great deal of social behavior.
