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A quantitative morphometric comparative analysis of the primate temporal lobe.

James K Rilling1, Rebecca A Seligman

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. jrillin@emory.edu

Journal of Human Evolution
|April 24, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Human temporal lobe structures, particularly white matter, are significantly larger than predicted by allometric scaling in apes. These findings suggest neurobiological adaptations for communication in humans and Old World monkeys.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroanatomy
  • Comparative Anatomy
  • Primatology

Background:

  • The temporal lobes are crucial for language comprehension.
  • Previous research suggests potential size differences in human temporal lobe structures compared to nonhuman primates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate allometric scaling of temporal lobe structures in humans and other anthropoid primates.
  • To identify specific temporal lobe regions that deviate from predicted sizes in humans.

Main Methods:

  • Collected T1-weighted MRI scans from 44 anthropoid primates across 11 species.
  • Measured volumes of the whole brain, temporal lobes, superior temporal gyri, and temporal lobe white matter.
  • Assessed surface areas and gyrification of temporal lobe structures.

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Main Results:

  • Monkeys and apes exhibit different allometric scaling trajectories for temporal lobe structures.
  • Humans show significantly larger temporal lobe volume, surface area, and white matter volume than predicted by ape regression lines.
  • Temporal lobe white matter volume in humans represents the largest departure from allometry.

Conclusions:

  • Human temporal lobe structures, especially white matter, are disproportionately larger than predicted based on brain size and ape allometry.
  • Observed allometric departures may reflect adaptations supporting complex communication in humans and Old World monkeys.