What is one consequence of infanticide in primate species?

Infanticide in primate species is often associated with a rapid resumption of ovulation in the mother. This phenomenon occurs because the death of an infant often triggers hormonal changes in the mother, allowing her to become fertile again more quickly. In biological terms, this can be viewed as an evolutionary strategy; by killing unweaned infants, males may increase their reproductive success, since the mother can then conceive again sooner.

This behavior can ultimately influence the social dynamics within a group, as it may lead to changes in maternal investment and the overall reproductive strategy of the females involved. Other potential consequences of infanticide, while they may impact group dynamics, do not directly relate to the biological aspect of female reproductive cycles as clearly as the resumption of ovulation does.