Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://hdl.handle.net/2440/64451
Citations | ||
Scopus | Web of Science® | Altmetric |
---|---|---|
?
|
?
|
Type: | Journal article |
Title: | Big brains, enhanced cognition, and response of birds to novel environments |
Author: | Sol, D. Duncan, R. Blackburn, T. Cassey, P. Lefebvre, L. |
Citation: | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of USA, 2005; 102(15):5460-5465 |
Publisher: | Natl Acad Sciences |
Issue Date: | 2005 |
ISSN: | 0027-8424 1091-6490 |
Statement of Responsibility: | Daniel Sol, Richard P. Duncan, Tim M. Blackburn, Phillip Cassey and Louis Lefebvre |
Abstract: | The widely held hypothesis that enlarged brains have evolved as an adaptation to cope with novel or altered environmental conditions lacks firm empirical support. Here, we test this hypothesis for a major animal group (birds) by examining whether large-brained species show higher survival than small-brained species when introduced to nonnative locations. Using a global database documenting the outcome of >600 introduction events, we confirm that avian species with larger brains, relative to their body mass, tend to be more successful at establishing themselves in novel environments. Moreover, we provide evidence that larger brains help birds respond to novel conditions by enhancing their innovation propensity rather than indirectly through noncognitive mechanisms. These findings provide strong evidence for the hypothesis that enlarged brains function, and hence may have evolved, to deal with changes in the environment. |
Keywords: | Brain Animals Birds Body Weight Organ Size Feeding Behavior Cognition Environment Models, Biological |
Rights: | Copyright © 2005, The National Academy of Sciences |
DOI: | 10.1073/pnas.0408145102 |
Published version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0408145102 |
Appears in Collections: | Aurora harvest Earth and Environmental Sciences publications Environment Institute Leaders publications |
Files in This Item:
There are no files associated with this item.
Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.