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Brain phylogeny and ontogeny
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- Evolution: Darwin's theory of many variations within species, natural selection favoring the most adaptive features, leading to great diversity among species and common ancestors.
- Brain evolution in primates: Key turning points include expansion of brain volume and convolutions, birth of new areas, and acceleration of brain capacity for language and executive functions. Culture could shape further brain evolution.
- Studying brain evolution: Techniques like measuring cranial capacity, endocasts, genome sequencing, and radiometric dating to understand the structure and development of the brain across species and time.
- Differences between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens: Expanded cerebellum in Neanderthals for fine motor skills, more globular shape in modern humans. Genetic studies suggest a common ancestor with some unique genetic traits influencing brain shape.
- Brain evolution hypotheses: Concerted hypothesis focuses on global modifications during neurogenesis, allometry considers different rates of evolution among brain regions, and mosaic theory suggests selection acts on specific networks.
- Prefrontal cortex evolution: No significant differential evolution in size, but differences in individual cortical areas and connectivity may explain higher cognitive abilities. Comparison between macaque and human connectomes shows similarities in connectivity patterns.