Social connections predict brain structure in a multidimensional free-ranging primate society

Cayo Biobank Research Unit†

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Reproduction and survival in most primate species reflects management of both competitive and cooperative relationships. Here, we investigated the links between neuroanatomy and sociality in free-ranging rhesus macaques. In adults, the number of social partners predicted the volume of the mid–superior temporal sulcus and ventral-dysgranular insula, implicated in social decision-making and empathy, respectively. We found no link between brain structure and other key social variables such as social status or indirect connectedness in adults, nor between maternal social networks or status and dependent infant brain structure. Our findings demonstrate that the size of specific brain structures varies with the number of direct affiliative social connections and suggest that this relationship may arise during development. These results reinforce proposed links between social network size, biological success, and the expansion of specific brain circuits.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Article numbereabl5794
    JournalScience Advances
    Volume8
    Issue number15
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Apr 2022

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Social connections predict brain structure in a multidimensional free-ranging primate society'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this