[da1]

> Is this really manipulation or is it just sexual selection for bravery/aggression/dominance?

What's the difference?

[chongli]

Sexual selection for traits that otherwise have no discernible survival benefit or even harm survival happens all over the animal kingdom. Selection for bravery/aggression/dominance at least has the potential benefit of defense. Calling this sort of selection 'manipulation' on the part of female monkeys is making an unwarranted and human biased value judgement.

[tbrownaw]

Maybe it's a way to deny them agency and therefore moral responsibility for the results of their actions?

[adamrezich]

Do monkeys have morals? (Legitimate question.)

[da1]

Well, they do show in-group preference.

Does that count?

I'd say yes.