Chimpanzee neonatal brain size: Implications for brain growth in Homo erectus

Finlay et al. address the importance of developmental constraints in brain size evolution. I discuss some aspects of this view such as the relation of brain size with processing capacity. In particular, I argue that in human evolution there must have been specific selection for increased processing capacity, and as a consequence for increased brain size.

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Transient cortical astrogliosis induced by alcohol exposure during the neonatal brain growth spurt in rats

Developmental Brain Research ◽

10.1016/0165-3806(93)90162-4 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 72 (1) ◽

pp. 85-97 ◽

Cited By ~ 82

Author(s):

Charles R. Goodlett ◽

Jonathan T. Leo ◽

James P. O'Callaghan ◽

Jolonda C. Mahoney ◽

James R. West

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Exposure ◽

Growth Spurt ◽

Brain Growth ◽

Neonatal Brain ◽

Brain Growth Spurt

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Early brain growth in Homo erectus and implications for cognitive ability

Nature ◽

10.1038/nature02852 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 431 (7006) ◽

pp. 299-302 ◽

Cited By ~ 119

Author(s):

H. Coqueugniot ◽

J.-J. Hublin ◽

F. Veillon ◽

F. Houët ◽

T. Jacob

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Ability ◽

Homo Erectus ◽

Brain Growth

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Nicotine exposure during the neonatal brain growth spurt produces hyperactivity in preweanling rats

Neurotoxicology and Teratology ◽

10.1016/s0892-0362(00)00096-9 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 22 (5) ◽

pp. 695-701 ◽

Cited By ~ 48

Author(s):

Jennifer D. Thomas ◽

Megan E. Garrison ◽

Craig J. Slawecki ◽

Cindy L. Ehlers ◽

Edward P. Riley

Keyword(s):

Growth Spurt ◽

Nicotine Exposure ◽

Brain Growth ◽

Neonatal Brain ◽

Brain Growth Spurt

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Time is of the essence: the molecular mechanisms of primary microcephaly

Genes & Development ◽

10.1101/gad.348866.121 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 35 (23-24) ◽

pp. 1551-1578

Author(s):

Thao P. Phan ◽

Andrew J. Holland

Keyword(s):

Primary Cilia ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Brain Size ◽

Cortical Development ◽

Brain Growth ◽

Primary Microcephaly ◽

Severe Reduction ◽

Reduce Cell Proliferation ◽

Dna Replication And Repair ◽

Growth Disorder

Primary microcephaly is a brain growth disorder characterized by a severe reduction of brain size and thinning of the cerebral cortex. Many primary microcephaly mutations occur in genes that encode centrosome proteins, highlighting an important role for centrosomes in cortical development. Centrosomes are microtubule organizing centers that participate in several processes, including controlling polarity, catalyzing spindle assembly in mitosis, and building primary cilia. Understanding which of these processes are altered and how these disruptions contribute to microcephaly pathogenesis is a central unresolved question. In this review, we revisit the different models that have been proposed to explain how centrosome dysfunction impairs cortical development. We review the evidence supporting a unified model in which centrosome defects reduce cell proliferation in the developing cortex by prolonging mitosis and activating a mitotic surveillance pathway. Finally, we also extend our discussion to centrosome-independent microcephaly mutations, such as those involved in DNA replication and repair.

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Mental attention, not language, may explain evolutionary growth of human intelligence and brain size

Behavioral and Brain Sciences ◽

10.1017/s0140525x06299011 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 19-20 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Juan Pascual-Leone

Keyword(s):

Homo Sapiens ◽

Brain Size ◽

Great Apes ◽

Homo Erectus ◽

Human Intelligence ◽

Heuristic Model ◽

Growth Data ◽

Mental Attention ◽

Size Growth ◽

Evolutionary Growth

Using neoPiagetian theory of mental attention (or working memory), I task-analyze two complex performances of great apes and one symbolic performance (funeral burials) of early Homo sapiens. Relating results to brain size growth data, I derive estimates of mental attention for great apes, Homo erectus, Neanderthals, and modern Homo sapiens, and use children's cognitive development as reference. This heuristic model seems consistent with research.

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