Brain Evolution

Question 1

Frontal Lobe

Answer 1

involved in decision making/problem solving/socialization etc; thought to be what set humans apart BUT volume of frontal cortex is no different from other primates

Question 2

Changes in Development –> phenotypic differences in mature brains

Answer 2

additional rounds of cell division: mammalian/primate brains: difference in timing/duration of gene expression –> different structures

Question 3

Neurological mechanisms in social behavior

Answer 3

evolution of mechanisms –> emergence of complex social behaviors

Question 4

fMRI (functional MRI)

Answer 4

form of brain imaging that can be done in awake/behaving subjects: observe both structure/function, base on increase in blood flow

Question 5

neuropeptides

Answer 5

compounds that act as neurotransmitters; found in in hypothalamus in brain (controls hormonal release from pituitary gland)

Question 6

nonapeptides

Answer 6

class of neuropeptides; 9 amino acids: highly conserved, expressed in brain/gonads: function is critical to social behavior

Question 7

Oxytocin (OT)/Vasopressin (VP) triggers

Answer 7

sexual stimulation, stress, nursing, prior to birth: widespread expression of receptors for each –> diverse physiological effects