Scholarlink

<p>The organization of the extant mammalian brain is influenced by development, evolutionary history and the environment. Ecological adaptations specifically have had a major role in shaping the structures and associated functions of the mammalian brain. Although general organization of the brain is relatively conserved in modern mammals, throughout millions of years of evolution mammals have acquired diverse sensory and nervous system adaptations as they invaded new ecological niches. Here, we synthesize palaeontological and neurobiological evidence on mammalian brain structure evolution, the mechanisms behind the observed variation in the size and organization of brain structures, and the effect of behavioural ecology on the evolution of brain functions and associated structures. Neuroecology has advanced greatly over the past 40 years and is now unravelling the complex relationship between specific behaviours and brain organization and function. Relying on different types of data, comparative neurobiologists and palaeontologists strive to answer similar questions about brain evolution, benefiting from a synergistic approach. We conclude this Review by outlining outstanding questions regarding the relationships between structure, function, behaviour and evolution that deserve future research attention, and propose methodologies and approaches to help to&#xa0;resolve these problems.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

The functional adaptations of mammalian brain structures through a behavioural ecology lens

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月15日

查看全文
  • Ornella C. Bertrand,
  • Leah Krubitzer

摘要

The organization of the extant mammalian brain is influenced by development, evolutionary history and the environment. Ecological adaptations specifically have had a major role in shaping the structures and associated functions of the mammalian brain. Although general organization of the brain is relatively conserved in modern mammals, throughout millions of years of evolution mammals have acquired diverse sensory and nervous system adaptations as they invaded new ecological niches. Here, we synthesize palaeontological and neurobiological evidence on mammalian brain structure evolution, the mechanisms behind the observed variation in the size and organization of brain structures, and the effect of behavioural ecology on the evolution of brain functions and associated structures. Neuroecology has advanced greatly over the past 40 years and is now unravelling the complex relationship between specific behaviours and brain organization and function. Relying on different types of data, comparative neurobiologists and palaeontologists strive to answer similar questions about brain evolution, benefiting from a synergistic approach. We conclude this Review by outlining outstanding questions regarding the relationships between structure, function, behaviour and evolution that deserve future research attention, and propose methodologies and approaches to help to resolve these problems.