Intelligence Evolved at Least Twice in Vertebrate Animals
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Summary
Intelligence in vertebrates mayhave evolved independently in birds and mammals, according to a series of studies by separate research teams.
Their research found that the circuits in avian and mammalian brains are similar, but the neurons are not.
Scientists had assumed that complex mammalian brain tissue, such as the neocortex, was required for more advanced cognition, but this study found that birds have “unspecified balls of neurons” in their brains that perform in the same way.
The research could help reveal the evolutionary beginnings of intelligence, and offer new insights into how to build complex AI, as well as showing that there are multiple ways to develop a brain capable of advanced thought.
