Gestation Length and Pregnancy Loss in Chimpanzees
Author Information
Author(s): Derek E. Wildman, Monica Uddin, Roberto Romero, Juan M. Gonzalez, Nandor Gabor Than, Jim Murphy, Zhuo-Cheng Hou, Jo Fritz
Primary Institution: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
What is the length of gestation and the rate of pregnancy loss in captive chimpanzees?
Conclusion
The study found that preterm birth occurs in captive chimpanzees, and their gestation length is similar to that of humans, but with a shorter duration before viability.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean gestation length for chimpanzees was estimated to be 228 days.
- Pregnancy loss occurred in approximately 16% of clinically recognized pregnancies.
- Only one chimpanzee born from a preterm pregnancy survived to adulthood.
Takeaway
This study looked at how long chimpanzees are pregnant and found that they sometimes lose their babies before they are born, just like humans do.
Methodology
The study analyzed veterinary and behavioral records of pregnancies in a captive chimpanzee colony over 30 years.
Potential Biases
Potential observer bias in estimating conception dates and gestation lengths.
Limitations
Estimates of gestation length may be inaccurate due to subjective measures and incomplete data on copulations.
Participant Demographics
Chimpanzees housed at the Primate Foundation of Arizona.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.78
Statistical Significance
p=0.78
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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