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Sexually selective cognition in primates492In conclusion, although the study of sexually selective cognition in primates is interesting from a fundamental perspective, it may also have practical applications. Currently, most conservation breeding programs do not consider individual mate preference. We propose that the computerized tasks discussed in this review can address this issue as they can be employed as long-distance methods to identify mate preferences in primates. However, it is important to note that this approach may not be equally suitable for all species. Furthermore, future research should establish whether incorporating long-distance measures of visual mate preferences translates into improved introduction success or reproductive output in captive primates. If such a link can be established, this could lead to significant improvements in the management of captive breeding programs and the conservation of endangered primate species.ConclusionIn this review, we suggested that the study of sexually selective cognition should be extended to primates and proposed test paradigms for this effect. Our scientific understanding of the interplay between attractiveness and human cognition has advanced significantly in recent years owing to extensive research employing a range of different paradigms and encompassing different cognitive processes such as attention, memory, and motivational processing. Taken together, these studies have shown that some cognitive processes in humans are sensitive to facial attractiveness. These results fit well with an evolutionary approach to cognition: attractiveness plays a pivotal role in human mate choice; therefore, sensitivity to environmental cues of attractiveness can aid in finding or evaluating a potential mate.Although research on primate cognition has thrived in the past decades, relatively few studies have investigated sexually selective cognition in primates. Therefore, we suggest that multiple paradigms used to study cognition in primates could also be employed to study sexually selective cognition. This is important for two reasons. First, from a fundamental perspective, testing multiple primate species will provide better insight into how sexual selection shaped cognition. Second, from a practical perspective, we believe that some of the test paradigms can be used to identify the individual mate preferences of captive primates. By incorporating such preferences, conservation breeding programs can improve the well-being of captive primates and, ultimately, their reproductive success.Tom Roth.indd 49 08-01-2024 10:41