We propose to test a series of hypotheses indicating that there is a genetic basis for variability in various cortical features (including asymmetries) by using advanced computer technology to analyze endocranial casts (endocasts) prepared from 600 skulls of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) from Cayo Santiago. An endocast, or replica of the interior braincase surface, reproduces accurate details of external brain morphology including sutures, venous sinuses, shape, and cortical sulci. The Cayo Santiago skeletal collection provides a unique research opportunity because it is the only primate osteological collection in the world that is associated with known maternal genealogies, ages at death, 30 years of behavioral/demographic records, and numerous publications on the heritabilities of external aspects of the skull. In this study, we will undertake a computer analysis of all endocast and cranial data in order to estimate heritabilities and genetic correlations of cortical features, and to compare the genetic bases for variation in osteological versus neurological features. Prior studies of endocasts have relied upon simplistic two dimensional data acquisition techniques which have sometimes led to erroneous conclusions. However, to understand the morphology of the brain's surface, accurate measurements of the location, orientation, length and other parameters for anatomically significant features must be available in three dimensions. An approach for three dimensional analysis of endocasts is already available in specialized diagnostic medical imaging centers and in discrete manufacturing computer aided design facilities. Specifically, medical computed tomography (CT) scanners have been applied to the study of endocasts, and surface measurements have been made manually with a specialized 3-dimensional digitizer unit. The proposed research is based on a collaboration between uniquely qualified researchers at three Institutions who propose to use this advanced imaging and computer aided design technology which is being made available to the project without cost.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
7R01NS024904-03
Application #
3409923
Study Section
(SSS)
Project Start
1988-09-01
Project End
1990-08-31
Budget Start
1988-09-01
Budget End
1990-08-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1988
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
State University of New York at Albany
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
City
Albany
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
12222
Konigsberg, L W; Frankenberg, S R (1992) Estimation of age structure in anthropological demography. Am J Phys Anthropol 89:235-56
Vannier, M W; Brunsden, B S; Hildebolt, C F et al. (1991) Brain surface cortical sulcal lengths: quantification with three-dimensional MR imaging. Radiology 180:479-84
Holloway, R L (1991) On Falk's 1989 accusations regarding Holloway's study of the Taung endocast: a reply. Am J Phys Anthropol 84:87-91
Masters, A V; Falk, D; Gage, T B (1991) Effects of age and gender on the location and orientation of the foramen magnum in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Am J Phys Anthropol 86:75-80
Falk, D; Hildebolt, C; Cheverud, J et al. (1991) Human cortical asymmetries determined with 3D MR technology. J Neurosci Methods 39:185-91
Cheverud, J M; Falk, D; Hildebolt, C et al. (1990) Heritability and association of cortical petalias in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Brain Behav Evol 35:368-72
Cheverud, J M; Falk, D; Vannier, M et al. (1990) Heritability of brain size and surface features in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). J Hered 81:51-7
Helmkamp, R C; Falk, D (1990) Age- and sex-associated variations in the directional asymmetry of rhesus macaque forelimb bones. Am J Phys Anthropol 83:211-8
Falk, D; Hildebolt, C; Cheverud, J et al. (1990) Cortical asymmetries in frontal lobes of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Brain Res 512:40-5
Falk, D (1989) Ape-like endocast of ""ape-man"" Taung. Am J Phys Anthropol 80:335-9

Showing the most recent 10 out of 12 publications