Lateralized behavior and lymphocyte counts in chimpanzees (pan troglodytes): A cross‐sectional and longitudinal assessment

Abstract

Cross‐sectional and longitudinal assessment of lymphocyte count and behavioral laterality was examined in a sample of captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) to assess the validity of the Geschwind‐Behan‐Galaburda (GBG) theory of cerebral lateralization. For the cross‐sectional analysis, chimpanzees classified as right‐handed for feeding exhibited lower lymphocyte counts than chimpanzees classified as either ambiguously handed or left‐handed. Longitudinal analysis indicated that some measures of laterality within the first 3 months of life predicted (a) direction of hand preference at 2 to 5 years of age and (b) lymphocyte counts for the first 3 years of life. The association between lymphocyte count and behavioral laterality was more evident in males than females. Taken together, the results support some aspects of the GBG theory.