Among the Japanese macaques, the monkey that is lower in the hierarchy typically grooms the more senior monkey. Photo: 123rf.com
Animals that live in large social groups typically have complicated greeting rituals. Just like us, who greets whom, and exactly who does what, depends on age and social status.
Japanese macaques live in huge groups, sometimes with 100+ monkeys of several families and generations. Their greetings involve grunting and cooing, as well as grooming. Typically, the monkey that is lower in the hierarchy grooms the more senior monkey. Some pull faces and there may also be bowing!
