Neuroanatomical correlates of handedness for tool use in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): implication for theories on the evolution of language.
It has been hypothesized that cognitive mechanisms underlying lateralized complex motor actions associated with tool use in chimpanzees may have set the stage for the evolution of left-hemisphere specialization for language and speech in humans. Here we report evidence that asymmetries in the homologues to Broca's and Wernicke's areas are associated with handedness for tool use in chimpanzees. These results suggest that the neural substrates of tool use may have served as a preadaptation for the evolution of language and speech in modern humans.
Hopkins
William D
WD
Division of Psychobiology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. whopkin@emory.edu
Russell
Jamie L
JL
Cantalupo
Claudio
C
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D007802:Language; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D002679:Pan troglodytes; D011582:Psychological Theory; D013060:Speech / Q000502:physiology; D053001:Tool Use Behavior / Q000502:physiology*