Abstract
Nursing and mother-infant distance were observed in three orangutans, two gorillas, one chimpanzee and four humans. All four species showed periods of a recurrence of greater time spent nursing and in contact with the mother. The initial regressive or reattachment period occurred similarly in all four species at between 6–12 months of age. An orangutan observed for two years showed a second period at 19–21 months. Other studies of weight gain in the three ape species coincidently peaked at the same time. When estimated peaks of individuals of each species were summed, the resulting graphs showed a differentiation of species rates of development. Gorillas developed most rapidly, orangutans developed most slowly, while chimpanzees and humans developed within the middle range.
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Horwich, R.H. Cyclic development of contact behavior in apes and humans. Primates 30, 269–279 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02381314
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02381314