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Big brains as shelters for odd genes: How fast does complex behavior evolve?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 September 2001

H.-P. Lipp
Affiliation:
Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zürich, [email protected] www.unizh.ch/anatomie/research/neuroanat/neuroanat.html

Abstract

Laland et al. suggest that as a specific evolutionary force niche construction has entailed the encephalization of the brain. While not denying rapid co-evolution of brain traits and abilities with niches and cultures, I argue that encephalization reflects a classical genetic buffer system allowing rapid evolutionary adaptation independent of the nature of the selective pressure.

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
© 2000 Cambridge University Press

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