Brain Structure Linked to Chimpanzee Personality

A recent analysis proves that the personalities of chimpanzees, who are also referred as human counterparts, can be ascertained with the help of their respective brain structure.

A team consisting of Roberts Latzman and his associates examined the brains of 107 chimpanzees using magnetic resonance image (MRI) scans. Along with that, a personality questionnaire was also revealed to the chimpanzees to assess their qualities.

With almost no difference among the primates and humans, the entire study revolved around the essence of neuroscience. The researchers, thus, found out that the availability of gray matter in the anterior cingulate cortexes of the brains is the main determinant. The link is evident; the existence of higher gray matter was associated with the trait of extroversion and being more emotionally open.

The social behavior in chimps is, thus, connected with the occurrence of the particular gray matter. The antisocial behavior of the primates is, therefore, due to the less gray matter.

Similarly, the traits of dominance and unpredictable behavior were also associated with the presence of higher volume of gray matter in the right mesial prefrontal cortex- a designated area for generating reward based activities.

"Our results confirm the importance of neuroscientific approaches to the study of basic personalities," Latzman, a psychology researcher at Georgia State University, explained in recent.

The lifelong connection between humans and chimps was deemed undeniable after the conducted research. The significance of neuroscience can, thus, not be avoided, particularly in terms of considering relevant personalities.

The results elevated numerous questions among which the alteration and modification of personalities were the highlighted one. Despite initiating efforts, the gray matter in the brain regulates the types of personalities one possess which might remain unchanged as personalities are controlled by brains.

Whether chimps consider their nature or try to indulge in changing them is a food for thought. The research was published in Neurolmage and solidified the significance of neuroscience as an essential topic of discussion.