How evolution has influenced the shape of the brain

The connections between the structure of the brain and its function are a key focus of neuroscience. A new Medical University of Vienna study involving a team of international partners has been looking at evolution and its relationship with the capabilities of human and animal brain architecture. The findings showed that the shape of the brain has developed in parallel with the organ's function throughout the course of evolution. The results of the study were published in the renowned journal Nature Communications. In the study, 3D surface models of the brains of 90 species of Euarchontoglires (supraprimates), such as humans, macaques, marmosets, mice, rats, squirrels and hamsters, were examined. Computer-based modelling of common ancestors and analysis of the shapes of neuronal structures was used to create a common representation of the brains. For the first time, this made it possible to analyse the diversity of brain forms and their relationship to function, behaviour and ecology, i.e. the relationship between living beings and their environment.