Social behaviors revealed by finger length

Finger length ratio is a reliable predictor of how a primate will behave socially, say scientists who have been running the tape-measure over groups of baboons and gibbons. Such ratios are governed by exposure in the womb to androgens like testosterone, which figure importantly in the development of masculine characteristics such as aggression and strength.

High levels of androgens, such as testosterone, increase the length of the fourth finger in comparison to the second finger. The scientists used finger ratios as an indicator of the levels of exposure to the hormone and compared this data with observed social behavior in primate groups.

The researchers, from the University of Liverpool, found that Old World monkeys, such as baboons and rhesus macaques, have a longer fourth finger in comparison to the second finger, which suggests that they have been exposed to high levels of prenatal androgens. These species tend to be highly competitive and promiscuous, which suggests that exposure to high levels of androgens before birth could be linked to these sorts of behaviors.

Other species, such as gibbons and many New World species, have finger ratios that suggest low levels of prenatal androgen exposure. These species were monogamous and less competitive than Old World monkeys. Great Apes, such as orangutans and chimpanzees, expressed a different finger ratio. This suggests that early androgen exposure is lower in this groups compared to Old World monkeys. Lower androgen levels could help explain why Great Apes show high levels of male cooperation and tolerance.

The research may help scientists understand more clearly the development of human sociality and its evolutionary origins. “High androgen levels may alter gene function and lead to subtle changes in relative digit length and the functioning of the reproductive system. Finger ratios do not change very much after birth and appear to tell us something about how very early androgens affect adult behavior, particularly behavior linked to mating and reproduction,” noted researcher Emma Nelson.

Related:
High testosterone drives risky investments
Testosterone Apocalypse!
Pointing The Finger At Aggressive Men

Source: University of Liverpool

, ,

Comments are closed.

TOOR KNIVES SERPENT Caiman Green 3.75

TOOR KNIVES SERPENT Caiman Green 3.75" Tanto CPM3V/G10/Finger Loop USA

$240.00



IBEX Flat Bottom Finger Plane – 60 mm Length – 22.5 mm Blade Width picture

IBEX Flat Bottom Finger Plane – 60 mm Length – 22.5 mm Blade Width

$138.48



IBEX Round Bottom Finger Plane – 47 mm Length – 18 mm Blade Width picture

IBEX Round Bottom Finger Plane – 47 mm Length – 18 mm Blade Width

$117.48



Coon Skinner Knife With Finger Grip And Leather Sheath | 9 1/4

Coon Skinner Knife With Finger Grip And Leather Sheath | 9 1/4" Overall Length

$18.99



Half length bearded tramp in hat, touching finger to nose with full length same picture

Half length bearded tramp in hat, touching finger to nose with full length same

$9.99



IBEX Flat Bottom Finger Plane – 30mm Length – 10mm Blade Width picture

IBEX Flat Bottom Finger Plane – 30mm Length – 10mm Blade Width

$96.48



IBEX Flat Bottom Finger Plane – 47 mm Length – 18 mm Blade Width picture

IBEX Flat Bottom Finger Plane – 47 mm Length – 18 mm Blade Width

$117.48



Louise Sheldon wearing finger length black caracal cape worn ove 1930s Old Photo picture

Louise Sheldon wearing finger length black caracal cape worn ove 1930s Old Photo

$5.74



CUSTOM HANDMADE TORU FINGER GROOVED MICARTA COMBAT SWORD 26

CUSTOM HANDMADE TORU FINGER GROOVED MICARTA COMBAT SWORD 26"inches

$125.00



Vintage BRADLEY & HUBBARD Brass Tray 2 Finger Handles Pen Letter Oval 9-1/2

Vintage BRADLEY & HUBBARD Brass Tray 2 Finger Handles Pen Letter Oval 9-1/2" L

$89.00



Powered by WordPress. Designed by WooThemes