Chapter 1 Flashcards
specific nerve energies
-impulses are the same in all nerves (Muller)
Localizationism
-The idea that faculties of mind or cognitive abilities (e.g. speech processing, memory, mathematical calculation) are controlled by local regions or “centres” in the cortex.
experimental ablation (Flourens)
damage to different regions produced different symptoms
Encephalization quotient
brain mass to body size
Competition:
more offspring are born in every generation than can survive and reproduce successfully
Variation:
sexual reproduction and mutation ensure that offspring are nonidentical
Adaptation:
individuals whose characteristics are best fitted to the environment will survive to produce more offspring
Functionalism:
Behaviour is subject to evolutionary pressure
Homology:
Structures that have the same evolutionary/genetic/developmental origin are homologous, even if they are functionally different
Analogy:
Structures that serve the same function are analogous, but not necessarily homologous, e.g. wings on birds and insects
(Possible) Critical factors in human brain evolution
- Climate change (and the requirement to hunt and forage for fruit)
- Bipedalism
- Grasping hands
- Language
- Neoteny
selective advantage
A characteristic of an organism that permits it to produce more than the average number of offspring of its species.
evolution
A gradual change in the structure and physiology of plant and animal species generally producing more complex organisms as a result of natural selection.
neoteny
A slowing of the process of maturation, allowing more time for growth; an important factor in the development of large brains.
culture
social learning
