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Explore neuroanatomical sex differences in capuchin monkeys through this 20-minute webinar presented by Dr. Olivia Reilly, an NIH Postdoctoral Fellow specializing in comparative social cognition research. Learn about groundbreaking magnetic resonance imaging research that reveals significant brain organization differences between male and female capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella), a neotropical primate species sharing key behavioral characteristics with humans relevant to social organization. Discover how whole-brain volumetric analysis using voxel-based morphometry on 20 capuchin monkeys revealed that males show significant expansion in hypothalamic areas, while females demonstrate expansion in early visual cortex, cerebellum, and higher-order occipital and temporal cortex regions. Examine findings from tract-based spatial statistical analysis showing that females exhibit significantly higher fractional anisotropy than males in right cerebral hemisphere frontal-parietal white matter regions, with non-overlapping values between sexes. Understand how these distinct socioecological niches occupied by male and female capuchins may be associated with the observed sex differences in cortical gray and white matter, and consider how these more pronounced neuroanatomical differences compared to humans could relate to human adaptations for prolonged neurodevelopmental trajectories and increased plasticity. Gain insights into the evolutionary context of sex differences in human brain organization through this comparative primate research approach, and earn PACE credits through Labroots' continuing education program.
