Hierarchically arranged mutualism of neural circuit ecosystems

Abstract

Neural reuse theories of the development of the functional structure of the brain [1] state that it is normal and common that neural circuits evolved for one purpose can and will be exapted (exploited, recycled and redeployed) by newer and later developed functions. This organizational hypothesis of the nature of neural evolution supports many observations on how and why the embodied nature of cognition works. In this paper we introduce the neural reuse paradigm, and relate it to theories of hierarchically arranged mutualisms in the development of natural ecosystems. In such nested structures of functional mutualism, the ecosystems evolve to support more diverse types of species (or functions) [2]. This diversity has many advantages for natural ecosystems. We will argue that these same concepts can be applied to understanding the functional ecosystem of the evolved neural circuits of the brain. We will discuss how these ideas relate to the robustness and flexibility of embodied cognitive functioning and discuss ways that this concept could be tested in natural neural networks and artificial cognitive systems. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.