Evolution, behavior and the prefrontal cortex.
There are two distinct but equally important methods for studying behavioral evolution; one emphasizes the phylogenesis and adaptednes of behavior; the other seeks to discover general principles regarding processes and mechanisms of biological significance, without primary concern for historical (phylogenetic) considerations. Neuropsychologists have relied almost exclusively upon the second of these approaches. This paper argues that both orientations are required for a proper study of the evolution of the prefrontal cortex and its functions, and advocates an increased application of ethological principles and methods in compaiative studies of prefrontal cortical functions.
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D005075:Biological Evolution; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000502:physiology*; D000882:Haplorhini