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Personality links with lifespan in chimpanzees.
Drew M Altschul1,2,3, William D Hopkins4,5, Elizabeth S Herrelko6,7
1Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Elife
|October 10, 2018
Summary
Higher agreeableness in male chimpanzees is linked to longer life, suggesting personality traits influence longevity. This study explored personality dimensions and survival in primates.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Ecology
- Primatology
- Evolutionary Psychology
Background:
- Life history strategies balance reproduction and health, influencing fitness.
- Personality traits are thought to support different life history strategies.
- Primate longevity is a key aspect of slow life history strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between chimpanzee personality dimensions and longevity.
- To determine if specific traits predict survival in captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 538 captive chimpanzees.
- Assessed personality dimensions: agreeableness, conscientiousness, dominance, extraversion, neuroticism, and openness.
- Correlated personality traits with longevity.
Main Results:
- Higher agreeableness was significantly associated with increased longevity in male chimpanzees.
- A weaker association suggested higher openness correlated with longer life in female chimpanzees.
Conclusions:
- Personality traits, particularly agreeableness in males, are linked to survival and longevity in chimpanzees.
- Findings suggest evolutionary advantages for traits promoting social bonds and reduced aggression in male primates.
- Results connect human and nonhuman primate survival literature, highlighting personality's role in fitness strategies.
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