How do primates diversify their genes and avoid birth defects?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the genetic diversification strategies of primates and their mechanisms to avoid birth defects. It highlights the potential for young primates to be driven away from their natal groups upon reaching maturity, with a particular emphasis on the differences in behavior between male and female primates. The conversation also addresses the monitoring of genetic diversity during mating to prevent defects, referencing the idea that incest may not significantly increase the risk of genetic issues due to the nature of recessive genes and natural selection processes that eliminate non-viable offspring.

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  • Understanding of primate social structures and behaviors
  • Knowledge of genetic principles, particularly recessive and dominant traits
  • Familiarity with the concept of natural selection and its impact on gene propagation
  • Awareness of the implications of incest in animal populations
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  • Research primate sociality and its effects on genetic diversity
  • Study the role of natural selection in eliminating detrimental genes in animal populations
  • Explore genetic monitoring techniques used in animal breeding programs
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Primatologists, geneticists, evolutionary biologists, and anyone interested in the social dynamics and reproductive strategies of primates.

icakeov
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I was wondering if there are any studies that have researched how other primates diversify their genes?

Do young primates get driven away from the groups they get born into after they age to maturity? Is there a difference between what happens to males vs. females?

And if some of them stick around, how do they "monitor" for the genetic diversity when mating to avoid birth defects? (Assuming that they have this same problem as humans)

Any thoughts appreciated!

p.s. I did find some good information in this article:
https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/primate-sociality-and-social-systems-58068905
 
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I do not know the answer to your question but would like to offer some perspective. It is possible that incest is not nearly the problem it is made out to be for two reasons.
1. In order for incest to be a factor in birth defects, the degenerate genes would have to be both rare and recessive. If not rare, there wouldn't be a significantly greater chance of acquiring them through incest than from the population at large. If not recessive, then if either partner carried the gene, it could be passed on to the offspring.
2. Any birth defects resulting from incest would make the offspring less likely to reproduce. It may be that deformed babies are killed immediately. Thus in a society that practices incest, detrimental genes should be weeded out faster.
 
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That was very helpful, thank you!
 

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