Papers by andrea camperio ciani
Child Abuse & Neglect, 2012
Objectives: This research aimed to identify incidents of mothers in Italy killing their own child... more Objectives: This research aimed to identify incidents of mothers in Italy killing their own children and to test an adaptive evolutionary hypothesis to explain their occurrence. Methods: 110 cases of mothers killing 123 of their own offspring from 1976 to 2010 were analyzed. Each case was classified using 13 dichotomic variables. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical cluster analysis were performed both for cases and variables, and significant differences between clusters were analyzed. Results: The Italian sample of neonaticides (killings of children within the first day of life) was found to satisfy all evolutionary predictions for an evolved behavioral, emotional and motivational pattern to increase fitness, showing a consistent profile for offending mothers. Relatively young, poor women with no partner kill their offspring non-violently, either directly or through abandonment, and they attempt to conceal the body. These women have no psychopathologies and never attempt suicide after killing their children. All neonaticide cases fall in a single cluster that is distinct from all other offspring killings by mothers. Infanticide (killing of children within the first year of life) and filicide (killing of children after the first year of life) do not significantly differ according to any of the variables measured. The common profile of mothers who have committed infanticide or filicide includes psychopathology, suicide or attempted suicide after killing their children, violent killing of their victims, and no attempt to conceal the victims' bodies. These results suggest that maternal infanticide and filicide represent an improper functioning of adaptation, and their profile are much more variable than those of neonaticide offenders. Conclusion: Our study confirms that only neonaticide is an adaptive reproductive disinvestment, possibly evolved in the remote past, to increase the biological fitness of the mother by eliminating an unwanted newborn and saving resources for future offspring born in better conditions. Neonaticide is shown to be clearly distinct from infanticide and filicide and therefore should be approached, prevented, and judged differently.
Experimental Brain …, 2012
The prehensile hand is one of the major traits distinguishing primates from other mammal species.... more The prehensile hand is one of the major traits distinguishing primates from other mammal species. All primates, in fact, are able to grasp an object and hold it in part or entirely using a single hand. Although there is a wealth of behavioral data regarding grasping movements in humans and apes, there is relatively little material on macaques, the animal model often used to investigate neuronal mechanisms responsible for grip control in humans. To date, evidence regarding free-ranging macaques is confined to observational data, while quantitative reports describe studies carried out in laboratory settings or in captivity. The purpose of the present study was to provide the first kinematic descriptions of basic grip behavior with regard to precision and power grips in free-ranging macaque monkeys. Video footage of those animals grasping objects was analyzed frame-by-frame using digitalization techniques. The results revealed that the two types of grips considered are each characterized by specific kinematic signatures. It was also found that hand kinematics was scaled depending on the type of grasp needing to be adopted and the intrinsic properties of the object to be grasped. In accordance with data concerning humans, these findings indicate that the intrinsic features of an object affect the planning and control of reach-to-grasp movements even in free-ranging macaques. The data presented here take research in the field of comparative reach-tograsp kinematics in human and non-human primates another step forward as they are based on precise measurements of spontaneous grasping movements by animals living/acting in their natural environment.
PloS one, 2012
A variety of social, developmental, biological and genetic factors influence sexual orientation i... more A variety of social, developmental, biological and genetic factors influence sexual orientation in males. Thus, several hypotheses have attempted to explain the sustenance of genetic factors that influence male homosexuality, despite decreased fecundity within the homosexuals. Kin selection, the existence of maternal effects and two forms of balancing selection, sexually antagonistic selection and overdominance, have been proposed as compensatory mechanisms for reduced homosexual fecundity. Here, we suggest that the empirical support for kin selection and maternal effects cannot account for the low universal frequency and stability of the distribution of homosexuals. To identify the responsible compensatory mechanism, we analyzed fecundity in 2,100 European female relatives, i.e., aunts and grandmothers, of either homosexual or heterosexual probands who were matched in terms of age, culture and sampling strategy. Female relatives were chosen to avoid the sampling bias of the fraternal birth order effect, which occurs when indirectly sampling mothers though their homosexual sons. We observed that the maternal aunts and grandmothers of homosexual probands were significantly more fecund compared with the maternal aunts and maternal grandmothers of the heterosexual probands. No difference in fecundity was observed in the paternal female lines (grandmothers or aunts) from either of the two proband groups. Moreover, due to the selective increase in maternal female fecundity, the total female fecundity was significantly higher in homosexual than heterosexual probands, thus compensating for the reduced fecundity of homosexuals. Altogether, these data support an X-linked multi-locus sexually antagonistic hypothesis rather than an autosomal multilocus overdominance hypothesis.
Veterinary Research Communications, 2004
TEORIA che l'uomo abbia elaborato, migliaia di prove la confermano in tutti i settori delle scien... more TEORIA che l'uomo abbia elaborato, migliaia di prove la confermano in tutti i settori delle scienze naturali. Oggi gli scienziati la utilizzano per comprendere come si sono originate forme, comportamenti, specie, popolazioni. La teoria dell'evoluzione però è anche soggetta costantemente a verifica soprattutto quando i dati sembrano contraddirla proprio come nel nostro caso per comprendere una eventuale influenza genetica del comportamento omosessuale.
Italian Journal of Zoology, 1998
Macaca sylvanus has a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 42. With the exception of chromosome 2 al... more Macaca sylvanus has a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 42. With the exception of chromosome 2 all chromosomes appear to have an identical banding pattern to most other macaque species. This chromosome has a clear band, localized immediately below the centromere; therefore, the karyotype of M. sylvanus more closely resembles that of the African Papionini, which also present a large clearly staining band on chromosome 2. C‐band‐ing intensely stained this band. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with human chromosome specific DNA probes to macaque chromosome 2 showed that human probe 7 was located on the whole q arm and on a small part of the p arm, immediately adjacent to the centromere; the remaining part of the p arm was hybridized by the DNA probe for human chromosome 21. It appears clear, from the hybridization pattern in the other primates and in the outgroups examined, that chromosome 7 was probably a syntenic region for many ancestral mammalian karyotypes and a single syntenic region in the ancestral karyotype of the primates. Human probe for chromosome 21 and 3 are found associated in New World primates and a wide range of mammalian species. Therefore, this syntenic association was probably ancestral for mammals and present in the ancestral primate karyotype. The translocation of 7 and 21 to form chromosome 2 of Macaca sylvanus and all other Papionini is probably a recent trait linking all these species.
Psychopathology, 2000
The wide distribution of rage in animals suggests that rage should have an adaptive significance.... more The wide distribution of rage in animals suggests that rage should have an adaptive significance. In the present work, the function of rage is explored under an evolutionary perspective. I try to assess the selective advantage conferred to the individual presenting rage compared to one that does not. In this work, I considered animals under the 'strategist' perspective rather than the 'stimulus-reactor' one. I suggest that rage has a highly adaptive significance both as: (1) an emotion to prepare antagonistic actions and (2) as a communicative act. I suggest therefore that, as a communicative act, rage can be explored through the theory of games. In three crucial scenarios, I investigate, using the theory of games framework, when, and how, there is a selective advantage for individuals expressing, bluffing and simulating rage.
An eight-year-long census and habitat evaluation of the Macaca sylvanus population was conducted ... more An eight-year-long census and habitat evaluation of the Macaca sylvanus population was conducted in a 484-km 2 area of the central region of the Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco between June 1994 and October 2002. The authors walked a 93.5-km circuit -divided into 16 transect segments -30 times with teams of trained research assistant volunteers, collecting data on a total of 2,805 linear km. Previous studies had reported an average density of 44-70 individuals per km 2 , while data from the present study indicate a progressive population decline, from 25 to 30 individuals per km 2 , down to a current average density of 7-10 I/km 2 . The population decline is attributed to the loss of prime habitat, mainly cedar forest, which has significantly decreased from 1994 to 2002, due to the growing impact of overgrazing by mixed flocks of goats and sheep and consequent forest degradation. At present, human-caused habitat deterioration in the Middle Atlas risks further compromising the future of the worldÕs only remaining large M. sylvanus population.
Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 2001
... (Received: 23 VII 01; Final acceptance: 2 X 01) Andrea Camperio Ciani(1), Loris Palentini &am... more ... (Received: 23 VII 01; Final acceptance: 2 X 01) Andrea Camperio Ciani(1), Loris Palentini & EnricaFinotto, Dip. di Psicologia Generale, Universita'degli Studi di Padova, 8 via Venezia, 35139 Padova, Italy. (1)e-mail: [email protected] Page 2. 16 Camperio Ciani et al. ...
Folia Primatologica, 1987
American Journal of Primatology, 1988
The G-banded karyotypes of 20 species of the tribe Papionini are remarkably similar, and the amou... more The G-banded karyotypes of 20 species of the tribe Papionini are remarkably similar, and the amount of phylogenetic interpretation permitted is limited. The genera Mandrillus and Cercocebus may be linked by a derived chromosome 10. T. gelada may be linked to the macaques by chromosome 2. Chromosome 5, which differs in M. fascicularis, makes this species an unlikely ancestor of the Sulawesi (Celebes) macaques. An alternate hypothesis, which takes into consideration the possibility that ancestral populations may be polymorphic for these chromosome variants, suggests that different chromosome variants have become fixed in different lines. These chromosomes would therefore not reflect phylogenetic relations. In the Papionini the karyotype has not played a major role in diversification and speciation.
The Journal of …, Jan 1, 2012
Recent evidence suggests that sexually antagonistic genetic factors in the maternal line promote ... more Recent evidence suggests that sexually antagonistic genetic factors in the maternal line promote homosexuality in men and fecundity in female relatives. However, it is not clear if and how these genetic factors are phenotypically expressed to simultaneously induce homosexuality in men and increased fecundity in their mothers and maternal aunts. Aims. The aim of the present study was to investigate the phenotypic expression of genetic factors that could explain increased fecundity in the putative female carriers. Methods. Using a questionnaire-based approach, which included also the Big Five Questionnaire personality inventory based on the Big Five theory, we investigated fecundity in 161 female European subjects and scrutinized possible influences, including physiological, behavioral, and personality factors. We compared 61 female probands who were either mothers or maternal aunts of homosexual men. One hundred females who were mothers or aunts of heterosexual men were used as controls. Main Outcome Measures. Personality traits, retrospective physiological and clinical data, behavior and opinions on fecundity-related issues were assessed and analyzed to illustrate possible effects on fecundity between probands and control females. Results. Our analysis showed that both mothers and maternal aunts of homosexual men show increased fecundity compared with corresponding maternal female relatives of heterosexual men. A two-step statistical analysis, which was based on t-tests and multiple logistic regression analysis, showed that mothers and maternal aunts of homosexual men (i) had fewer gynecological disorders; (ii) had fewer complicated pregnancies; (iii) had less interest in having children; (iv) placed less emphasis on romantic love within couples; (v) placed less importance on their social life; (vi) showed reduced family stability; (vii) were more extraverted; and (viii) had divorced or separated from their spouses more frequently. Conclusions. Our findings are based on a small sample and would benefit from a larger replication, however they suggest that if sexually antagonistic genetic factors that induce homosexuality in males exist, the factors might be maintained in the population by contributing to increased fecundity greater reproductive health, extraversion, and a generally relaxed attitude toward family and social values in females of the maternal line of homosexual men. Camperio Ciani AS, Fontanesi L, Iemmola F, Giannella E, Ferron C, and Lombardi L. Factors associated with higher fecundity in female maternal relatives of homosexual men. J Sex Med 2012;9:2878-2887.
The Middle Atlas forest of Morocco is the largest southern mediterranean forest, and a remnants o... more The Middle Atlas forest of Morocco is the largest southern mediterranean forest, and a remnants of what once was a very vast Mediterranean ecosystem. All the remaining North African forest biodiversity are preserved mostly in this relict forest, which is at present vulnerable to desertification from a variety of human causes. In collaboration with the Scientific Institute of Rabat and other European colleagues, we conducted a three year study on the Middle Atlas Cedar forest near Azrou, sampling a forest surface area of 500 km 2 , with more than 1800 km of transect replications and data collection, in order to evaluate the condition and causes of desertification in this endangered ecosystem. We found that the Barbary Macaque (Macaca sylvanus), by feeding on soil and undergrowth is an effective natural biological indicator of the forest condition. The demographic patterns of the macaque change predictably in progressively degraded habitats, due to its ecological competition with livestock, the major cause of forest desertification. In fact, we discovered an alarming rate of forest degradation with respect to previous studies. Forest undergrowth was extensively impacted by livestock overgrazing, especially due to the presence of goats. We could confirm that the combination of sheep and goats in the herd is extremely aggravating to forest desertification, as compared to the impact of sheep grazing alone. However our preliminary investigation suggests that the presence of goats in this region is not economically beneficial to the shepherds and their eradication from the area might be possible through an education and incentive campaign. Based on our results we presented to the European Community's INCO-DC RTD pograms a four year multidisciplinary project to assess, monitor, develop and evaluate alternative solutions to forest desertification in the southern mediterranean last forests.
European Psychologist, Jan 1, 2000
The target article touches upon a very important issue: the emerging role of evolutionary psychol... more The target article touches upon a very important issue: the emerging role of evolutionary psychology in the psychological disciplines. By stressing the aims and methodology of evolutionary psychology, and by listing the most common criticisms and resistance from ...
The journal of sexual …, Jan 1, 2009
Recent studies on male homosexuals showed increased fecundity of maternal female relatives of hom... more Recent studies on male homosexuals showed increased fecundity of maternal female relatives of homosexual probands, compared to those of heterosexual controls. We have suggested that these data could be explained by the transmission, in the maternal line, of an X-linked genetic factor that promotes androphilic behavior in females and homosexuality in males. Aim. Our original studies were on relatives of male subjects who declared themselves to be exclusively homosexual. However, the relationship between homosexuality and bisexuality, including the possibility of shared genetic factors, is complex and largely unexplored. To cast light on this issue, in the present study we examined whether relatives of bisexuals show the same indirect fitness advantage as previously demonstrated for homosexuals. Main Outcome Measures. Subjects completed a questionnaire on their sexual orientation, sexual behavior, and their own and their relatives' fecundity. Methods. We studied 239 male subjects, comprising 88 who were exclusively or almost exclusively heterosexual (pooled to comprise our "heterosexual" group), 86 who were bisexual, and 65 exclusively or almost exclusively homosexual individuals (pooled in our "homosexual" group). Bisexuals were here defined on the basis of selfidentification, lifetime sexual behavior, marital status, and fecundity. Results. We show that fecundity of female relatives of the maternal line does not differ between bisexuals and homosexuals. As in the previous study on homosexuals, mothers of bisexuals show significantly higher fecundity, as do females in the maternal line (cumulated fecundity of mothers, maternal grandparents, and maternal aunts), compared to the corresponding relatives of heterosexual controls.This study also shows that both bisexuals and homosexuals were more frequently second and third born. However, only homosexuals had an excess of older male siblings, compared to heterosexuals. Conclusions. We present evidence of an X-chromosomal genetic factor that is associated with bisexuality in men and promotes fecundity in female carriers. Camperio Ciani A, Iemmola F, and Blecher SR. Genetic factors increase fecundity in female maternal relatives of bisexual men as in homosexuals. J Sex Med 2009;6:449-455.
PLoS One, Jan 1, 2008
Several lines of evidence indicate the existence of genetic factors influencing male homosexualit... more Several lines of evidence indicate the existence of genetic factors influencing male homosexuality and bisexuality. In spite of its relatively low frequency, the stable permanence in all human populations of this apparently detrimental trait constitutes a puzzling 'Darwinian paradox'. Furthermore, several studies have pointed out relevant asymmetries in the distribution of both male homosexuality and of female fecundity in the parental lines of homosexual vs. heterosexual males. A number of hypotheses have attempted to give an evolutionary explanation for the long-standing persistence of this trait, and for its asymmetric distribution in family lines; however a satisfactory understanding of the population genetics of male homosexuality is lacking at present. We perform a systematic mathematical analysis of the propagation and equilibrium of the putative genetic factors for male homosexuality in the population, based on the selection equation for one or two diallelic loci and Bayesian statistics for pedigree investigation. We show that only the two-locus genetic model with at least one locus on the X chromosome, and in which gene expression is sexually antagonistic (increasing female fitness but decreasing male fitness), accounts for all known empirical data. Our results help clarify the basic evolutionary dynamics of male homosexuality, establishing this as a clearly ascertained sexually antagonistic human trait.
Biological …, Jan 1, 2005
An eight-year-long census and habitat evaluation of the Macaca sylvanus population was conducted ... more An eight-year-long census and habitat evaluation of the Macaca sylvanus population was conducted in a 484-km 2 area of the central region of the Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco between June 1994 and October 2002. The authors walked a 93.5-km circuit -divided into 16 transect segments -30 times with teams of trained research assistant volunteers, collecting data on a total of 2,805 linear km. Previous studies had reported an average density of 44-70 individuals per km 2 , while data from the present study indicate a progressive population decline, from 25 to 30 individuals per km 2 , down to a current average density of 7-10 I/km 2 . The population decline is attributed to the loss of prime habitat, mainly cedar forest, which has significantly decreased from 1994 to 2002, due to the growing impact of overgrazing by mixed flocks of goats and sheep and consequent forest degradation. At present, human-caused habitat deterioration in the Middle Atlas risks further compromising the future of the worldÕs only remaining large M. sylvanus population.
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Papers by andrea camperio ciani