The origin of the mammalian brain as a case of evolutionary irreversibility.
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.
Aboitiz
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Neuroscience Program, University of California, Los Angeles 90024.
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