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The adaptive significance of social synchronisation of ultradian behaviour cycles: a computer model

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

A. Meier-Koll ,
E. Bohl ,
B. Schardl  and
F. Novacek
A. Meier-Koll
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, and University of Konstanz, Germany
E. Bohl
Affiliation:
Faculty of Mathematics, University of Konstanz, Germany
B. Schardl
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, and University of Konstanz, Germany
F. Novacek
Affiliation:
Faculty of Mathematics, University of Konstanz, Germany
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Summary

Daily behaviour patterns in a hunter–gatherer community of Colombian Indians show that individual activities are regulated by ultradian behaviour cycles of about 2 hr and that these cycles can be synchronised by social interaction. A computer model was developed which simulated an artificial community and generated dynamic portraits of locomotor activity and social aggregation similar to those of the observed community of Colombian Indians. Social phase-locking of ultradian behaviour cycles occurred, contributing to the safety of group members and their economy of effort in gathering and related activities. Social synchronisation of ultradian behaviour cycles may also have occurred in early hominid groups.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 27 , Issue 3 , July 1995 , pp. 285 - 299
Copyright
Copyright © 1995, Cambridge University Press

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