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Evolution of the base of the brain in highly encephalized human species.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  22158443     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
The increase of brain size relative to body size-encephalization-is intimately linked with human evolution. However, two genetically different evolutionary lineages, Neanderthals and modern humans, have produced similarly large-brained human species. Thus, understanding human brain evolution should include research into specific cerebral reorganization, possibly reflected by brain shape changes. Here we exploit developmental integration between the brain and its underlying skeletal base to test hypotheses about brain evolution in Homo. Three-dimensional geometric morphometric analyses of endobasicranial shape reveal previously undocumented details of evolutionary changes in Homo sapiens. Larger olfactory bulbs, relatively wider orbitofrontal cortex, relatively increased and forward projecting temporal lobe poles appear unique to modern humans. Such brain reorganization, beside physical consequences for overall skull shape, might have contributed to the evolution of H. sapiens' learning and social capacities, in which higher olfactory functions and its cognitive, neurological behavioral implications could have been hitherto underestimated factors.
Authors:
Markus Bastir; Antonio Rosas; Philipp Gunz; Angel Peña-Melian; Giorgio Manzi; Katerina Harvati; Robert Kruszynski; Chris Stringer; Jean-Jacques Hublin
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article     Date:  2011-12-13
Journal Detail:
Title:  Nature communications     Volume:  2     ISSN:  2041-1723     ISO Abbreviation:  Nat Commun     Publication Date:  2011  
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-12-14     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101528555     Medline TA:  Nat Commun     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  588     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Paleoanthropology Group, Department of Paleobiology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC. J. G. Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
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