Tolerance as a key mechanism for large-scale social cohesion.

Abstract

Grooming and cognition support primate group cohesion but are insufficient for maintaining stability in large groups. We propose tolerance, the capacity to accommodate social stress, as an additional mechanism. Tolerance fosters flexible social skills and cooperation beyond small cliques. Shaped by hormonal adaptation and development, tolerance plays a foundational role in overcoming group size limits by sustaining complex social networks.