A recent study has found that unlike humans, non-human great apes such as chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and bonobos do not experience a reduction in brain mass as they age. In humans, brain weight typically begins to decrease around the age of 45 to 50, even without any disease. However, the analysis of 601 apes suggests that their brains remain the same size throughout their lives. This discovery could be linked to the relatively shorter lifespans of these apes compared to humans. Understanding these differences in brain aging between humans and our closest relatives can provide insights into the evolution of the human brain and its vulnerabilities.
QUESTION: Why do you think it is important to study the differences in brain aging between humans and other great apes?
Chimp and gorilla brains resist weight loss with age — unlike human brains
