Exam 4: Evolution of Brain and Function

Brain structures closer to midline dividing the left and right hemispheres are referred to as _____, whereas those farther away from the midline are called _____.

Because early mammals were nocturnal, they mostly relied on

As primates evolved, there has been a shift from reliance on the _____ system to reliance on the _____ system.

MacLean suggested that our current brain can be viewed as having the features of three basic evolutionary formations--reptiles, early mammals, and recent mammals. This formulation, which is referred to as the _____ brain, suggests that our brains can process a variety of information in three somewhat independent ways.

Studies on "split brain" patients have demonstrated that the left side of the brain is involved in language processing and other serial tasks while the right side of the brain is involved in spatial tasks and other global processes; this division of labor is known as _____.

Compare and contrast the mental module model with the alternative to the mental module model. In what sense do they make similar predictions?

The _____ model suggests that the brain contains a number of modules devoted to specific tasks; thus, there would be a module for language, a module for spatial abilities, and so forth

Part of the limbic system, the _____, receives input from areas of the cortex involved in facial expression; damage in this area results in the lack of ability to detect emotional expressions, even though the person can identify the face.

Homo habilis lived from 2.4 to 1.6 million years ago; it was given the name "handyman" because it

Discuss Hughling Jackson's two principles, hierarchical integration and encephalization. What are the implications of these for modern humans?

Discuss MacLean's model of the triune brain in terms of both function and evolutionary history.

The front of the brain is referred to as _____.

Although our human brain is only about 2% of our body weight, it uses some _____% of our energy.

The task of sensory systems is to derive meaning from _____ in the external world.