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Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

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  • Title: Chimpanzees are right-handed when recording bouts of hand use.
    Author: Hopkins WD, Cantalupo C, Freeman H, Russell J, Kachin M, Nelson E.
    Journal: Laterality; 2005 Mar; 10(2):121-130. PubMed ID: 15849030.
    Abstract:
    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.
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