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Updated: May 16, 2026
09:09
Dissecting the Non-human Primate Brain in Stereotaxic Space
Published on: July 16, 2009
Extraversion predicts longer survival in gorillas: an 18-year longitudinal study
Alexander Weiss1, Marieke C Gartner, Kenneth C Gold
1Scottish Primate Research Group, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK.
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|December 11, 2012
Summary
Gorilla personality traits, like extraversion, are linked to survival. This study in western lowland gorillas suggests evolutionary roots for personality
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Primatology
- Behavioral ecology
Background:
- Personality influences human health and mortality.
- Mechanisms linking personality to survival are not well understood.
- Investigating ancestral associations and evolutionary trade-offs offers insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine personality predictors of survival in western lowland gorillas.
- To test if personality-survival associations have ancestral roots.
- To explore potential evolutionary trade-offs related to personality.
Main Methods:
- Studied 283 captive western lowland gorillas over 18 years.
- Assessed four personality dimensions: dominance, extraversion, neuroticism, and agreeableness.
- Analyzed survival data in relation to personality traits, controlling for demographics and husbandry.
Main Results:
- Extraversion was significantly associated with longer survival in gorillas.
- This association remained robust after accounting for demographic factors and care practices.
- Other personality dimensions (dominance, neuroticism, agreeableness) did not show significant survival associations.
Conclusions:
- Extraversion may be linked to longevity through evolutionary mechanisms.
- Further research in nonhuman primates is needed to understand the evolutionary basis of personality-longevity links.
- Findings suggest personality-survival associations may be ancestral and conserved across species.
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