The Evolution of the Brain, the Human Nature of Cortical Circuits, and Intellectual Creativity

TLDR

The neocortex’s expansion and differentiation during mammalian evolution, coupled with increased brain size and complexity, enabled advanced cognitive skills and unique human brain microcircuits, while differences persist among species. The paper examines humanity from neurobiological and historical perspectives.

Abstract

The tremendous expansion and the differentiation of the neocortex constitute two major events in the evolution of the mammalian brain. The increase in size and complexity of our brains opened the way to a spectacular development of cognitive and mental skills. This expansion during evolution facilitated the addition of microcircuits with a similar basic structure, which increased the complexity of the human brain and contributed to its uniqueness. However, fundamental differences even exist between distinct mammalian species. Here, we shall discuss the issue of our humanity from a neurobiological and historical perspective.