Brain Evolution and Cognition

Can one fully understand the mechanisms of brain evolution? Why have some brains become large and complex, and others small and simple, while still others have remained the same for hundreds of millions of years? Where, how, and why did cognition evolve? Is there any definable relationship between cognitive function and brain structure and function? These are just some of the questions posed by the contributing authors of this unique book. By bringing together two intrinsically related topics-the structural evolution of the brain and the concomitant evolution of cognitive functions-Brain Evolution and Cognition addresses the much debated topic of brain evolution, cognitive functions, and the relationship between them. Uniting information on structural brain variability and cognitive aspects in one text, this book provides a survey of the current status of what is known about animal cognition and its relationship to the underlying diversity of brain structures. This volume cuts across boundaries by introducing data on various species and also: * Reviews developmental and adult brain organization in an evolutionary context * Presents case studies of vertebrate brain evolution * Offers an overview of cognition from neural basis to behavior * Is accessible to a broad range of readers with its nontechnical writing style * Includes lavish illustrations for a clear and concise presentation of concepts With contributions by world-renowned leaders in their fields, Brain Evolution and Cognition is an indispensable reference for neuroanatomists, neuroethologists, evolutionary biologists, developmental biologists, neurologists, neuroscientists, zoologists, and cognitive and behavioral psychologists.