Evolutionary Anatomy of the Primate Cerebral Cortex

Studies of brain evolution have moved rapidly in recent years, building on the pioneering research of Harry J. Jerison. This book provides state-of-the-art reviews of primate (including human) brain evolution. The book is divided into two sections, the first gives new perspectives on the developmental, physiological, dietary and behavioral correlates of brain enlargement. It has long been recognised, however, that brains do not merely enlarge globally as they evolve, but that their cortical and internal organization also changes in a process known as reorganisation. Species-specific adaptations therefore have neurological substrates that depend on more than just overall brain size. The second section explores these neurological underpinnings for the senses, adaptations and cognitive abilities that are important for primates. With a prologue by Stephen J. Gould and an epilogue by Harry J. Jerison, this is an important new reference work for all those working on brain evolution in primates.