Integration of comparative neuroanatomy and comparative cognition

Abstract

Neuroanatomy is a science of form, whereas cognitive science is a science of function. Comparative neuroanatomy and comparative cognition, however, share a common interest, that is, the evolution of form and function. Pigeons and humans show apparently similar higher visual cognition, but their brain mechanisms are different. Functional constraints caused by differences in the brain structures are still unknown. Interpretation of function by form is the traditional way of explanation in biological sciences, and hence the integration of comparative neuroanatomy and comparative cognition should provide such an approach.View full abstract