Chimpanzees are right-handed when recording bouts of hand use.
Whether nonhuman primates exhibit population-level handedness remains a topic of considerable debate. Previous research has shown that chimpanzees are right-handed when frequencies of hand use are recorded but some have questioned the validity of this approach. In this study, we evaluated handedness in 180 captive chimpanzees for a task measuring bimanual actions. Bouts rather than frequency of hand use were recorded in each subject. Population-level right-handedness was found using both continuous and nominal scales of measurement. Neither sex nor rearing history had a significant effect on hand use. These results indicate that chimpanzees are right-handed, even when using a more conservative measure of handedness. Limitations in the use of bouts in handedness assessment are also discussed.
Hopkins
William D
WD
Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta Berry College, Mount Berry, GA, USA. lrcbh@rmy.emory.edu
Cantalupo
Claudio
C
Freeman
Hani
H
Russell
Jamie
J
Kachin
Mike
M
Nelson
Eliza
E
D000828:Animal Population Groups / Q000523:psychology; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D007206:Individuality; D008297:Male; D002679:Pan troglodytes / Q000523:psychology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D015203:Reproducibility of Results