Question

Alan reluctantly decided to take a long-awaited trip to New Zealand. The thing that is most disturbing to him is that he must leave his pet monkey behind. There is a "pet hotel" in the city that has agreed to take him. Should Alan worry about him?

a) no. Monkeys love new social situations, and their immune systems are actually strengthened by them.
b) yes. Monkeys under stress due to social disruptions tend to have increased lymphocyte production
c) yes. Monkeys under stress due to social disruptions have weakened immune systems
d) unknown. No studies have been examining social disruptions and monkey immune systems

Answer 1

Monkeys under stress due to social disruptions, including being separated from their owners and familiar environments, can have their immune response compromised. Studies by Harlow and others show the importance of social relationships and comfort for primate well-being and health outcomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Regarding Alan's concern about leaving his pet monkey at a pet hotel while he travels, it is important to consider the research on social disruptions and immunity in primates. Given the evidence from various studies, option c is the most accurate: yes, monkeys under stress due to social disruptions have weakened immune systems.

Research by Harlow and colleagues has highlighted the critical nature of social comfort over sustenance for young rhesus monkeys, indicating the profound impact of social relationships on primate well-being.

Furthermore, work by neuroscientists like Robert Sapolsky and Carol Shively demonstrates that social hierarchy and stress can predict health outcomes in non-human primates. Stressful experiences, especially chronic stress, are known to suppress both innate and adaptive immune responses, potentially leading to increased disease susceptibility.

Therefore, if the pet hotel can provide a stable and comfortable environment, it can minimize the stress associated with Alan's absence and its potential negative impact on the monkey's immunity.