Cetaceans have complex brains for complex cognition
2007
Cetaceans Have Complex Brains for Complex Cognition
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Lori Marino, Richard C. Connor, R. Ewan Fordyce, Louis M. Herman, Patrick R. Hof, Louis Lefebvre, David Lusseau, Hal Whitehead, Brenda McCowan, Esther A. Nimchinsky, Adam A. Pack, Luke Rendell, Joy S. Reidenberg, Diana Reiss, Mark D. Uhen, Estel Van der Gucht
Primary Institution: Emory University
Hypothesis
How and why did such large brains evolve in modern cetaceans?
Conclusion
Cetaceans have large brains that evolved to support complex cognitive abilities.
Supporting Evidence
- The brains of cetaceans are larger than those of nonhuman primates.
- Cetaceans exhibit complex social behaviors that require advanced cognitive abilities.
- Laboratory studies show dolphins can understand symbolic representations and complex instructions.
- Dolphins demonstrate self-awareness and can recognize themselves in mirrors.
- Cultural learning and social structures in dolphin groups are comparable to those in primates.
Takeaway
Dolphins and other cetaceans have big brains that help them think and solve problems, just like humans do.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website