Final answer:
The six forms of primate social structures include multimale-multifemale, one-male with multifemale, all-male, one-female with multimale, monogamous family groups, and solitary patterns, with specific groups, such as baboons, gorillas, orangutans, tamarins, and gibbons, representing each pattern.
Step-by-step explanation:
The six dominant forms of primate resident patterns are multimale-multifemale, one-male (uni-male) with multi-female, all-male, one-female with multi-male, monogamous family groups, and solitary patterns. In multimale-multifemale groups, such as those observed in squirrel monkeys and savanna baboons, both sexes may have multiple mating partners. One-male groups are common in species like gorillas where the dominant silverback male has exclusive breeding rights with the females. All-male groups are often temporary and can be seen in primates such as orangutans. One-female with multi-male groups, known as polyandry, is rare but can be seen in tamarins. Monogamous family groups, where a single male and female pair bond and raise offspring together, are found among gibbons. Solitary patterns, with the exception of mothers with their young, are exemplified by orangutans where males and females come together only for breeding.
Research in primatology has shed light on the complex and stratified nature of primate social organization, with related females forming the core of most primate societies, and males often being transient. Sexual dimorphism is a characteristic feature in species like Old World monkeys and apes, with males being markedly larger than females. In the case of our closest relatives, the bonobos and chimpanzees, we observe drastically different social structures; with bonobos having a more egalitarian and pacifistic social structure, compared to the male-dominant and hierarchical society of chimpanzees.