Evolution of the Occipital Lobe

Abstract

In this chapter, we review and summarize the current body of knowledge on the anatomy, function, and evolution of the occipital lobes in humans, with reference to the brains of other key species. The anatomical landmarks that can be used to delineate the occipital lobe have been defined and explored in detail, and its functional significance in regard to visual processing has been elucidated. We give an overview of the current understanding about the evolution of the occipital lobe in primates from comparative perspective and present findings related to cortical reorganization, reduction, folding, and gyrification in the primate lineage over evolutionary time. Implications for further directions of inquiry that might shed light on less clear issues are also suggested.