Sexual behavior of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): male versus female regulation

We investigated the sexual behavior of 13 chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in 2 types of pair test in order to clarify the interaction of social variables with female hormonal state. The frequency of copulation in tests in which the partners were freely accessible to each other was related to the male's dominance over the female; copulation was less frequent and was related to social compatibility in tests in which the female controlled access. Copulation was related to female hormonal state in both types of test. The results demonstrate (a) an association between female hormonal state and sexual activity of chimpanzees, (b) the influence of social relationships on sexual interactions, and (c) the importance of focusing on female sexual behavior before copulation, rather than copulation per se, in research on sexual arousability of female primates.

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