Study shows evidence of
convergence in bird and primate evolution
Date: July 3, 2018
Source: University of Alberta
Summary:
University of Alberta
neuroscientists have identified the neural circuit that may underlay
intelligence in birds, according to a new study. The discovery is an example of
convergent evolution between the brains of birds and primates, with the
potential to provide insight into the neural basis of human intelligence.
"An area of the brain that
plays a major role in primate intelligence is called the pontine nuclei,"
explained Cristian Gutierrez-Ibanez, postdoctoral fellow in the Department of
Psychology. "This structure transfers information between the two largest
areas of the brain, the cortex and cerebellum, which allows for higher-order
processing and more sophisticated behaviour. In humans and primates, the
pontine nuclei are large compared to other mammals. This makes sense given our
cognitive abilities."
Birds have very small pontine
nuclei. Instead, they have a similar structure called the medial spiriform
nucleus (SpM) that has similar connectivity. Located in a different part of the
brain, the SpM does the same thing as the pontine nuclei, circulating
information between the cortex and the cerebellum. "This loop between the
cortex and the cerebellum is important for the planning and execution of
sophisticated behaviours," said Doug Wylie, professor of psychology and
co-author on the new study.
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