The evolution of mammalian brain size

J. B. Smaers, R. S. Rothman, D. R. Hudson, A. M. Balanoff, B. Beatty, D. K.N. Dechmann, D. de Vries, J. C. Dunn, J. G. Fleagle, C. C. Gilbert, A. Goswami, A. N. Iwaniuk, W. L. Jungers, M. Kerney, D. T. Ksepka, P. R. Manger, C. S. Mongle, F. J. Rohlf, N. A. Smith, C. SoligoV. Weisbecker, K. Safi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

108 Citations (Scopus)
65 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Relative brain size has long been considered a reflection of cognitive capacities and has played a fundamental role in developing core theories in the life sciences. Yet, the notion that relative brain size validly represents selection on brain size relies on the untested assumptions that brain-body allometry is restrained to a stable scaling relationship across species and that any deviation from this slope is due to selection on brain size. Using the largest fossil and extant dataset yet assembled, we find that shifts in allometric slope underpin major transitions in mammalian evolution and are often primarily characterized by marked changes in body size. Our results reveal that the largest-brained mammals achieved large relative brain sizes by highly divergent paths. These findings prompt a reevaluation of the traditional paradigm of relative brain size and open new opportunities to improve our understanding of the genetic and developmental mechanisms that influence brain size.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbereabe2101
Number of pages11
JournalScience Advances
Volume7
Issue number18
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Apr 2021

Keywords

  • evolution
  • mammals
  • brain size

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The evolution of mammalian brain size'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this