Forming strong social bonds with other females may increase the reproductive success of a female baboon because these bonds help reduce stress levels, allowing the female to better care for her offspring. When females are less stressed, they can invest more time and resources into nurturing their young, which leads to a higher likelihood of their offspring reaching adulthood. This mutual support among females enhances their overall well-being and the survival of their offspring.
Animals often behave in certain ways that can increase their reproductive success. Read the passage about a specific animal behavior. Then, follow the instructions below.
baboons grooming one another
Baboons are found in many parts of Africa, where they live in groups. Female baboons in a group can form social bonds, or close relationships, with other females. Most female baboons form social bonds, but some have stronger bonds than others. Females that have stronger social bonds spend more time grooming, or cleaning, each other.
When a female has strong social bonds with other females, more of her offspring reach adulthood than the offspring of females with weak social bonds. This may be because having strong social bonds helps a female handle stress. When female baboons are stressed, the females that have strong social bonds spend more time together. This makes the females less stressed, which can also help their offspring.
Why might forming strong social bonds with other females increase the reproductive success of a female baboon? Complete the claim below that answers this question and is best supported by the passage.
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