title: The origin of the mammalian brain as a case of evolutionary irreversibility.
abstract: The origin of the mammalian neocortex is usually considered as an improvement in the design of the brain. I suggest that the mammalian neocortex arose as a consequence of contingent adaptations in which there was no specific selection for more elaborate cognitive abilities. This perspective differs from the current view of brain evolution as a progressive phenomenon towards increased intelligence.
authors: Neuroscience Program, University of California, Los Angeles 90024.
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Aboitiz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D008322:Mammals; D008954:Models, Biological; D012104:Reptiles; D012911:Snakes