What is the evolutionary basis for colic?

Kim A. Bard*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalComment/debatepeer-review

Abstract

An evolutionary model of crying requires consideration of non-human primate data. Chimpanzees do not have colic. Although they have a peak of fussiness at 6 weeks with a decline by 12 weeks whether raised by biological mothers or in a human nursery, their crying is always consolable. Colic may be a by-product of delayed rates of brain development; that is, neoteny.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)459
Number of pages1
JournalBehavioral and Brain Sciences
Volume27
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2004

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