Primate Brain Architecture and Selection in Relation to Sex
Author Information
Author(s): Patrik Lindenfors, Charles L. Nunn, Robert A. Barton
Hypothesis
How do sexual and social selection influence the evolution of brain architecture in primates?
Conclusion
Sexual selection on males and social selection on females have exerted different effects on primate brain architecture.
Supporting Evidence
- The degree of male intra-sexual selection was positively correlated with brain structures involved in sensory-motor skills.
- Female social group size was positively correlated with neocortex size.
- Sexual selection on males favored brain structures involved in aggression and sensory-motor functions.
Takeaway
Male and female primates have different brain structures because they face different challenges in their social lives. Males need to be good at fighting, while females need to be good at making friends.
Methodology
Phylogenetic comparative methods were used to analyze the relationship between selection in relation to sex and brain architecture.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from using unsexed specimens and the reliance on existing literature for data.
Limitations
The study used data from unsexed primate specimens, which limits the ability to determine sexual dimorphisms in brain size.
Participant Demographics
Data were gathered from various species of anthropoid primates.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p << 0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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