Linked regularities in the development and evolution of mammalian brains.

Bibliographic Collection: 
MOCA Reference, APE
Publication Type: Journal Article
Authors: Finlay, B L; Darlington, R B
Year of Publication: 1995
Journal: Science
Volume: 268
Issue: 5217
Pagination: 1578-84
Date Published: 1995 Jun 16
Publication Language: eng
ISSN: 0036-8075
Keywords: Adaptation, Physiological, Analysis of Variance, Animals, Biological Evolution, Brain, Cell Division, Chiroptera, Databases, Factual, Humans, Insectivora, Mammals, Models, Neurological, Models, Statistical, Neurons, Primates, Regression Analysis, Species Specificity
Abstract:

Analysis of data collected on 131 species of primates, bats, and insectivores showed that the sizes of brain components, from medulla to forebrain, are highly predictable from absolute brain size by a nonlinear function. The order of neurogenesis was found to be highly conserved across a wide range of mammals and to correlate with the relative enlargement of structures as brain size increases, with disproportionately large growth occurring in late-generated structures. Because the order of neurogenesis is conserved, the most likely brain alteration resulting from selection for any behavioral ability may be a coordinated enlargement of the entire nonolfactory brain.

Alternate Journal: Science
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