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Evolution of the central sulcus morphology in primates
William D Hopkins1, Adrien Meguerditchian, Olivier Coulon
1Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Ga., USA.
Brain, Behavior and Evolution
|August 21, 2014
Summary
Humans and great apes possess a distinct motor-hand area. However, this brain region is relatively smaller in humans compared to great apes, despite its evolutionary significance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Primatology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- The central sulcus (CS) delineates brain regions for motor and sensory functions.
- The precentral gyrus's motor-hand area is crucial for human hand representation.
- Hand evolution is significant in primate history.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary changes in the primate motor-hand area.
- To compare the size and folding patterns of the central sulcus surface area across primate species.
Main Methods:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to analyze the central sulcus surface area.
- The study included 131 primates: Old World monkeys, apes, and humans.
- Comparative analysis of relative size and cortical folding patterns was performed.
Main Results:
- Humans and great apes exhibit a well-defined motor-hand area, indicated by central sulcus depth variations.
- Great apes possess larger central sulcus surface areas relative to Old World monkeys.
- Humans have smaller absolute and adjusted surface areas for the motor-hand area compared to great apes.
Conclusions:
- The evolution of the motor-hand area shows distinct patterns in humans and great apes.
- Despite its importance, the human motor-hand area is relatively reduced compared to great apes.
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