Hormones and Body Size *Evolution in Old World Monkeys

Abstract

This research shows that similar adult body size can be attained despite differences in levels of growth regulatory hormones during development. Results also demonstrate that absolute hormone levels during growth do not necessarily relate to adult size, contrary to the findings of previous research utilizing single species. The utility of the alternate model of the hormonal regulation of growth is confirmed by the finding of differential integration of steroid and somatomedin hormones with somatic growth. Finally, it is suggested that life history patterns of papionins are important for understanding why variation in patterns of growth regulatory hormones exists.