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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
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A Standardized Pipeline for Examining Human Cerebellar Grey Matter Morphometry using Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: February 4, 2022
The cerebellum and its contribution to complex tasks in higher primates: a comparative perspective
Claudio Cantalupo1, William Hopkins
1Department of Psychology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA. ccantal@clemson.edu
Summary
Great apes possess larger cerebellums than monkeys, with evolutionary expansion in the lateral neocerebellum linked to complex behaviors. Cerebellar size and asymmetry correlate with skilled task performance and hand preference in primates.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Evolutionary Biology
- Primatology
Background:
- The cerebellum's role in motor control and cognition is not fully understood.
- Limited knowledge exists regarding the cerebellum's evolutionary contribution to complex behaviors in higher primates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review comparative studies on the cerebellum's role in primate behavior.
- To explore the evolution of the cerebellum in higher primates and its relation to complex behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of cerebellar size and structure across primate species.
- Examination of volumetric differences and lateral asymmetry in the cerebellum.
- Correlation of cerebellar characteristics with skilled task performance and hand preference.
Main Results:
- Great apes exhibit a larger relative cerebellar size compared to monkeys.
- This size difference is primarily attributed to the lateral neocerebellum's expansion during evolution.
- Cerebellar volumetric differences and lateral asymmetry are associated with performance in skilled tasks like tool use and throwing, as well as hand preference.
Conclusions:
- The cerebellum, particularly the lateral neocerebellum, has undergone significant evolutionary expansion in great apes.
- Cerebellar morphology is linked to the development of complex behaviors and handedness in primates.
- Further comparative research is crucial for understanding the cerebellum's involvement in complex behaviors and its evolutionary trajectory.
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