Behavioral laterality in captive bonobos (Pan paniscus).
Behavioral laterality was studied in a captive group of 11 bonobos (Pan paniscus). In an observational method a significant left lateral bias in carrying and a right lateral bias in leading limb were found. Direction of lateral bias in carrying and leading limb was enhanced when subjects maintained a bipedal posture. Analysis of bimanual feeding behavior revealed a significant right-hand bias for eating when subjects were holding food with their left hand. In an experimental method a significant shift toward greater right-hand use was found when subjects were required to maintain a bipedal, rather than a quadrupedal, posture. There was no evidence of lateral bias for measures of face touching, self-touching, or gestures. The results are discussed in the context of previous reports of primate laterality.
Hopkins
W D
WD
Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322.
Bennett
A J
AJ
Bales
S L
SL
Lee
J
J
Ward
J P
JP
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D005868:Gestures; D008124:Locomotion; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D002679:Pan troglodytes / Q000523:psychology*; D011187:Posture; D016474:Weight-Bearing