Final answer:
Grooming in primates is crucial for establishing social bonds, maintaining hygiene by removing parasites, and reducing stress within social groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Grooming among primates serves several primary purposes. One of the main functions is to establish and maintain social bonds within the group. This behavior is a way of communicating care and forming alliances, which can be vital for survival in a socially complex environment. Primates, such as the Indian langur and the great apes, use grooming to show affection, reinforce hierarchies, and reduce tension.
Additionally, grooming helps in keeping the primates clean by removing parasites and dirt from their fur. This not only has the benefit of improving hygiene but also contributes to the overall health of the community by reducing the spread of parasites and disease. Grooming can also be a calming and comforting activity that decreases stress and promotes a peaceful atmosphere within the group.
In summary, grooming in primates is an essential behavior that serves critical functions in social bonding, hygiene, and stress reduction, being central to their complex social organization.