Quantifying uncertainty due to fission-fusion dynamics as a component of social complexity

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
Gabriel Ramos-FernandezDenis Boyer

Abstract

Groups of animals (including humans) may show flexible grouping patterns, in which temporary aggregations or subgroups come together and split, changing composition over short temporal scales, (i.e. fission and fusion). A high degree of fission-fusion dynamics may constrain the regulation of social relationships, introducing uncertainty in interactions between group members. Here we use Shannon's entropy to quantify the predictability of subgroup composition for three species known to differ in the way their subgroups come together and split over time: spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi), chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and geladas (Theropithecus gelada). We formulate a random expectation of entropy that considers subgroup size variation and sample size, against which the observed entropy in subgroup composition can be compared. Using the theory of set partitioning, we also develop a method to estimate the number of subgroups that the group is likely to be divided into, based on the composition and size of single focal subgroups. Our results indicate that Shannon's entropy and the estimated number of subgroups present at a given time provide quantitative metrics of uncertainty in the social environment (within which social relation...Continue Reading

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References

Jan 1, 1971·Humangenetik·H Walter
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Mar 25, 2017·Scientific Reports·Matthias-Claudio LorettoThomas Bugnyar

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Citations

Apr 1, 2020·Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·Alexander MielkeRoman M Wittig
Jan 28, 2021·Frontiers in Robotics and AI·Gabriel Ramos-FernandezJessica C Flack
Apr 21, 2021·Scientific Reports·Daniel S SchloesserChristopher T Kello
May 8, 2021·Royal Society Open Science·Nancy ReboutBernard Thierry
Dec 8, 2021·Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society·Loïc PougnaultAlban Lemasson

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