I would be most grateful for references to current reviews (journal or
textbook
or hypertext) on the evolution of brain mechanisms of language.
I am particularly interested in material on how the evolution of different
subsystems of the visual system evolved.
Another issue is the selective pressure on the visual system applied by
demands
for different types of visually-guided behavior.
Here are 2 more structured qurestions related to the above:
1. The difference in number of "maps" of a modality is a key difference
between
species. Is it the case that the basic genes underlying each map of a given
type are the same? What has to be added in the way of regulator genes to
deploy the basic gene set a specific number of times? What determines the
relative placement of each map of a given type, and what controls the further
differentiation of these maps in terms of their connectivity and consequent
functional role? Conversely, what change in the regulator genes is involved
when one or more maps become removed during evolution?
2. Consider evolution based on neural systems rather than individual modules.
For example, evolution of the cerebellum seems to match steps in
corticalization in mammals, while also evolving to match new sensory and motor
systems in other vertebrates. What can we suggest about the genetic substrate
for this system-level development. Is there a gene cluster for developing a
cerebellar microcomplex in relation to other systems that is automatically
invoked as new systems evolve? Or does one part of the brain ģmove aheadī in
evolution, allowing a new ģbrain spaceī which offers new ģinformational
nichesī
for the evolution of extensions of other brain regions in a gameo of
ģevolutionary catch-upī?
Thanks and best wishes
Michael Arbib
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Michael Arbib
Director, USC Brain Project
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA 90089-2520
Phone (213) 740-9220 (After 8-8-99)
FAX (213) 740-5687
arbib@pollux.usc.edu
http://www-hbp.usc.edu/HBP/
[Additional details for Express Mail: Hedco Neuroscience Building,
Room 5, 3614 Watt Way; Phone Contact 213-740-1176.]
***************************************************************************
***************************************************************************
Michael Arbib
Director, USC Brain Project
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA 90089-2520
Phone (213) 740-9220 (After 8-8-99)
FAX (213) 740-5687
arbib@pollux.usc.edu
http://www-hbp.usc.edu/HBP/
[Additional details for Express Mail: Hedco Neuroscience Building,
Room 5, 3614 Watt Way; Phone Contact 213-740-1176.]
***************************************************************************
***************************************************************************
Michael Arbib
Director, USC Brain Project
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA 90089-2520
Phone (213) 740-9220 (After 8-8-99)
FAX (213) 740-5687
arbib@pollux.usc.edu
http://www-hbp.usc.edu/HBP/
[Additional details for Express Mail: Hedco Neuroscience Building,
Room 5, 3614 Watt Way; Phone Contact 213-740-1176.]
***************************************************************************