Recent studies reveal that growth spurts in both body length and weight during adolescence are phenomena seen in multiple primate species, not solely in humans. These findings challenge earlier perceptions, attributing prior misunderstandings to flaws in research methodology. Featured is an image of a bonobo mother with her infant. Credit goes to Verena Behringer.
The distinctiveness of human pubertal growth spurts in evolutionary context has been questioned.
Until recently, the consensus has been that the surge in body length experienced during human adolescence is a specialized evolutionary characteristic not shared by other primate species. However, new research published in eLife journal suggests that various primate species, humans included, do indeed undergo a significant increase in body weight during their adolescent years. The inconsistency in previous findings appears to be rooted in methodological limitations.
Considerations of Scale…
The researchers employed three methodologies in their inquiry. Initially, they explained how issues related to scale and improper comparisons between linear growth rates in body length and volumetric growth rates in body weight can result in inaccurate conclusions—essentially a comparison of disparate elements.
The growth of bonobos was ascertained by gauging the length of their forearms within a Plexiglas tube. Acknowledgement: Jeroen MG Stevens
… Yield Accurate Findings
Following that, the researchers applied a corrected scaling methodology to an expansive dataset comprising 258 bonobos residing in zoos. This dataset included metrics for weight and length growth, in addition to several physiological indicators related to growth and the onset of puberty. “Significant growth spurts in both body weight and length were observed in both genders,” reports lead author Andreas Berghänel from the Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology (KLIVV) at the University of Veterinary Medicine.
Alignment in Growth Curves and Hormonal Patterns
Both weight and length growth trajectories showed alignment with each other and with variations in testosterone and IGFBP-3 levels, akin to the hormonal fluctuations seen in human adolescents, elaborates Berghänel.
Reevaluation of Prior Research Offers New Perspectives
In the final stage of their research, the investigators reexamined data from other studies focusing on non-human primates. The outcomes demonstrated that the adolescent growth spurts in both weight and length are not restricted to bonobos but are likely prevalent in other primate species as well.
Summary of Findings
“Our results emphasize the criticality of considering scaling laws when interpreting growth data,” states Verena Behringer, a scientist at the German Primate Center’s Endocrinology Laboratory and the study’s senior author. “Moreover, our data reveal that marked, human-like growth spurts in both body weight and body length are not only observed in bonobos but probably extend to a wide range of other non-human primates.”
References: “Adolescent length growth spurts in bonobos and other primates: Mind the scale,” authored by Andreas Berghänel, Jeroen M.G. Stevens, Gottfried Hohmann, Tobias Deschner, and Verena Behringer. Published on June 29, 2023, in eLife.
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.86635.1
The study involved collaboration with scholars from Odisee University of Applied Sciences, Antwerp Zoo Centre for Research and Conservation, Antwerp University, Max Planck Institutes for Evolutionary Anthropology and for Animal Behaviour, and the University of Osnabrück’s Institute of Cognitive Science. Additionally, 19 zoos offered their data, significantly contributing to the success of this research.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Adolescent growth spurts in primates
What is the primary focus of the recent study discussed in the text?
The primary focus of the recent study is to challenge the previously held belief that adolescent growth spurts—in terms of body length and weight—are unique to humans. The study argues that such growth patterns also exist in various other primate species.
How does the study contradict previous beliefs about adolescent growth spurts?
The study contradicts previous beliefs by presenting evidence that growth spurts in body length and weight during adolescence are not unique to humans but are present in multiple primate species. The study attributes earlier misunderstandings to flaws in research methodology.
What methodologies were used by the researchers?
The researchers employed three approaches: initially outlining how scaling problems and incorrect comparisons can lead to misleading conclusions, then applying a scale-corrected approach to an extensive dataset of zoo-living bonobos, and finally, reinterpreting data from other studies focusing on non-human primates.
Who is the lead author of this study, and where is it published?
The lead author of this study is Andreas Berghänel from the Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology (KLIVV) at the University of Veterinary Medicine. The study is published in the journal eLife.
What does the study conclude about growth patterns in bonobos?
The study found that there are pronounced growth spurts in both body weight and body length in bonobos, observed in both genders. These growth patterns were confirmed through metrics and physiological indicators related to growth and puberty.
What implications does this study have for interpreting growth curves?
The study emphasizes the importance of considering scaling laws when interpreting growth data. Failure to do so can lead to flawed conclusions and methodological errors.
Who collaborated on this research?
The study involved collaboration with scholars from Odisee University of Applied Sciences, Antwerp Zoo Centre for Research and Conservation, Antwerp University, Max Planck Institutes for Evolutionary Anthropology and for Animal Behaviour, and the University of Osnabrück’s Institute of Cognitive Science.
How many zoos contributed to this study?
A total of 19 zoos provided their data, significantly contributing to the success of this research.
What hormonal patterns were observed in relation to growth spurts?
The study found that weight and length growth curves corresponded with variations in levels of testosterone and IGFBP-3, similar to hormonal fluctuations seen during human adolescence.
What is the broader significance of these findings?
The broader significance is that the phenomenon of adolescent growth spurts may not be a unique evolutionary feature of humans but rather a more widespread characteristic among primates. This has implications for understanding primate biology and evolution.
More about Adolescent growth spurts in primates
- eLife Journal Original Study
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology
- German Primate Center
- Max Planck Institutes for Evolutionary Anthropology
- University of Osnabrück’s Institute of Cognitive Science
- Odisee University of Applied Sciences
- Antwerp Zoo Centre for Research and Conservation
- Antwerp University
8 comments
This could be a game-changer in evolutionary bio. Imagine the possibilities if adolescent growth spurts are common in primates!
So does this mean, like, we should rethink how we study animal biology? Seems like this could have major implications.
Wow, this is mind-blowing! always thought humans were special with the whole growth spurt thing, guess we’re not that unique huh?
Interesting, but let’s not jump to conclusions. One study doesn’t change everything we know. Would like to see more data and replication.
incredible findings. Science is always evolving and this just proves it. methodological flaws have led us astray for years, kudos to the team for setting the record straight.
Never thought I’d see the day when bonobos and humans are compared like this. Great to see how we’re not so different after all 🙂
The methodology section caught my eye. Good to see researchers takin care of scaling issues, which can really mess up results. solid work!
These researchers are onto something. Loved the interdisciplinary approach. Keep up the good work y’all.