DURHAM, N.C., April 21 (UPI) -- U.S. and Swiss researchers examining the development of 28 primate species say they discovered brain size predicts the time needed to reach maturity.
Scientists from Duke University and the University of Zurich said prior studies linking primate brain size to lifespan and other factors yielded inconsistent results.
"Growth rates are much slower in large-brained organisms and that causes a delay in reproduction," said Duke graduate study Nancy Barr, the study's first author. "If individuals wait too long to reach maturity, then they run the risk of dying before they've had the chance to reproduce. So there must be some benefit to large brain size at the same time these costs are incurred.
The researchers found humans and other large-brained species take longer to mature, leaving immature offspring vulnerable for longer periods. However, the researchers also found that larger brains provide adults with "more complex foraging techniques, predator avoidance and social skills."
The study is to appear in a future issue of the Journal of Human Evolution.
