Evolution

Question 1

Animal models

Maren (1997)

Answer 1

Hippocampal lesions in rats impairs conditioning to contextual cues.
Amnesia is a result of hippocampal lesions
Rats studies tell us which neuronal systems are key

Question 2

Comparative studies

Clayton (1998)

Answer 2

Birds and mammals which store food have enlarged hippocampal volumes
The hippocampus can change size in response to experience which can improve function of the adult brain

Question 3

Natural selection

Darwinian theory;

Answer 3

Characteristics of an organisms have precise functions which are selected if they allow an animals to survive or reproduce more successfully.

Question 4

Hominid family is made up of …

Answer 4

Human
Chimpanzee
Gorilla
Orangutan

Question 5

Functionalism and inheritance …

Answer 5

Darwin’s theory believed that characteristics of living organisms perform useful functions
In order to understand the physiological basis of various behaviours we must understand what behaviours accomplish

Question 6

Functionalism is…

Answer 6

It is easier to understand a biological phenomenon is to try to understand it’s useful functions for the organism

Question 7

Natural selection is…

Answer 7

Process by which inherited traits that confer a selective advantage become more prevalent in a population

Question 8

Mutation is…

Answer 8

A change in genetic information in the chromosomes of sperms or eggs which can be passed to offspring which provides genetic variability

Question 9

Evolution is…

Answer 9

A gradual change in the structure and physiology of species which produces more complex organisms as a result of natural selection

Question 10

Natural selection in action… Squirrels

Answer 10

The grey squirrel can digest acorns and red ones can’t
Grey squirrel carries a virus deadly to red squirrels
Red squirrel breeds less under pressure

Question 11

Mechanism of natural selection is…

Answer 11

Role of the environment

Genetic drift and speciation - some mutations have selective advantages

Question 12

Common ancestry

Huxley (1868)

Answer 12

Proposed birds were descendants of dinosaurs

Species of dinosaurs have now been found to be feathered

Question 13

Human evolution …

Answer 13

• The first hominids appeared in Africa, drier woodlands and savanna grasslands populated by large herbivorous animals and their predators
• Homosapiens were bipedalism (move by rear 2 legs), had opposable thumbs, colour vision and linguistic ability
• The first hominid left Africa 1.7 million years ago. Homoerectus upright man scattered across Europe and Asia
• Ancestors of homo Neanderthals inhabited Europe between 120,000 and 30,000 years ago.
• Homosapiens evolved in East Africa around 100,000 years ago and migrated to Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and America

Question 14

Existing relative of humans are…

Answer 14

Chimpanzee gorilla and Orangutan

Genetically very little difference between the four species. Humans and chimpanzees share 99% of their DNA

Question 15

Human brain evolution

Answer 15

1) increase in overall brain volume and body size ratio (encephalisation quotient)
2) changes in neocortex size compared to animals
3) slow maturation process

Question 16

Evolution ballot. Some traits are uniquely human;

Answer 16

Theory of mind
Linguistic abilities
Culture

Question 17

The evolution of large brains

Answer 17

In late adolescence the brain reaches full size of 1400g, 4 times the weight of a newborn baby
Neoteny - slowing the process of maturation allowed more time for growth which is an important factor in the development of large brains

Question 18

Why study non humans?

Answer 18

Similarities in brain structure and function so we can use animal models to explain brain-behaviour relations
We can carry out comparative studies and study phylogeny of the brain as some species have advantages