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Age-related motor dysfunction: Manual slowing in Gorilla gorilla gorilla
Lindsay M Mahovetz1,2, Tara S Stoinski2,3
1Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.
American Journal of Primatology
|October 6, 2015
Summary
Aging negatively impacts motor skills in gorillas, similar to humans and monkeys. Aged gorillas showed deficits in dexterity and bimanual coordination, with experience not improving their performance.
Area of Science:
- Primatology
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Aging in humans and rhesus monkeys is linked to motor function decline.
- Non-human apes, despite longevity and human relation, are understudied regarding aging and motor skills.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related motor deficits in western lowland gorillas.
- To compare motor function in young versus aged gorillas.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments assessed motor skills in gorillas aged 11-54 years.
- Experiment 1: Food extraction from a Lexan board.
- Experiment 2: Hex nut retrieval from shaped rods using bimanual coordination.
Main Results:
- Aged gorillas exhibited slower extraction rates and retrieval latencies compared to younger gorillas.
- Experience did not improve motor task performance in aged gorillas.
- Females were faster than males in specific fine motor tasks.
Conclusions:
- Aged gorillas display motor deficits in dexterity and bimanual coordination.
- Age and sex significantly influence fine motor abilities in gorillas.
- Findings align with aging motor patterns observed in humans and monkeys.
