Revisiting the cognitive buffer hypothesis for the evolution of large brains
Year: 2008
Type: editorial
Abstract: Why have some animals evolved large brains despite substantial energetic and developmental costs? A classic answer is that a large brain facilitates the construction of behavioural responses to unusual, novel or complex socioecological challenges. This buffer effect should increase survival rates and favour a longer reproductive life, thereby compensating for the costs of delayed reproduction. Although still limited, evidence in birds and mammals is accumulating that a large brain facilitates the construction of novel and altered behavioural patterns and that this ability helps dealing with new ecological challenges more successfully, supporting the cognitive-buffer interpretation of the evolution of large brains.
Source: Biology Letters
Author: Daniel Sol
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2116582433