Gender Differences in Marmosets and Tamarins: Responses to Food Tasks

Abstract

The study of behavioural gender differences among Callitrichid primates has been generally neglected. We describe evidence from experimental studies in which adult female tamarins ( Saguinus ) and marmosets ( Callithrix ) demonstrate priority of access to food that is spatially and temporarily restricted. Differences in behavioural strategies between both reproductive and non-reproductive females, and males, are consistent with differences between the genera in their feeding ecology and social organisation. They are also functionally plausible. A recent study gives preliminary data to show that, although mated females in family groups of common marmosets demonstrate priority of access to food sources, overall there are differences in responsiveness that may be influenced by factors such as the time of feeding, energycontent and preference of food.