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Social intelligence, innovation, and enhanced brain size in primates
Simon M Reader1, Kevin N Laland
1Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, High Street, Madingley, Cambridge CB3 8AA, United Kingdom.
Summary
Brain size correlates with cognitive abilities like innovation and social learning in mammals. This study links brain evolution to behaviors such as tool use and learning from others.
Area of Science:
- Comparative psychology
- Neuroscience
- Evolutionary biology
Background:
- The relationship between brain size and cognitive abilities, often termed "intelligence," is widely assumed but empirically untested.
- Understanding this link is crucial for comprehending the evolution of complex behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between brain volume and ecologically relevant measures of cognitive capacity in mammals.
- To determine if behavioral innovation, social learning, and tool use are associated with brain size.
Main Methods:
- A comparative analysis was conducted using data from 533 instances of innovation, 445 of social learning, and 607 of tool use across various species.
- Statistical methods controlled for phylogenetic history and research effort to isolate the effect of brain size.
Main Results:
- Frequencies of social learning, innovation, and tool use were found to be positively correlated with both relative and absolute "executive" brain volumes.
- Innovation and social learning frequencies showed a positive covariance across species, challenging theories of evolutionary trade-offs.
Conclusions:
- The study provides empirical evidence linking behavioral innovation, social learning, and brain size in mammals.
- These cognitive capacities may have been significant drivers in the evolutionary expansion of primate brains.