Integrated Analytical Scheme for Comparing the Neanderthal Brain to Modern Human Brain Using Neuroimaging Techniques

Abstract

To investigate the differences in learning abilities between Homo neanderthalensis and Homo sapiens based on the morphology of the brain, we constructed an integrated analytical system for (1) estimating Neanderthal’s brain based on the reconstructed skull, (2) identifying local regions that correspond to leaning abilities in modern humans, (3) comparing the estimated Neanderthal brain to the averaged modern human brain based on our functional MRI results and meta-analytical data, using a neuro-computational and functional neuroimaging framework. First, we introduce the strategy of analyzing functional neuroimaging data, especially spatial normalization. Second, we describe the brain functions essential for learning ability in modern humans. We assume that formation of an innovative society is strongly correlated with the two components of cognitive ability; ‘intrinsic drive (internal motivation and perspective) to produce creative activity’ and ‘social brain’. Here, an example of our functional MRI research regarding the social brain is presented. Finally, we provide a brief summary of our integrated scheme.