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Updated: May 18, 2026

Perspectives on Neuroscience
Published on: July 31, 2007
New neurons for 'survival of the fittest'
1Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany. gerd.kempermann@crt-dresden.de
Abstract:
Adult neurogenesis is often considered an archaic trait that has undergone a 'phylogenetic reduction' from amphibian ancestors to humans. However, adult neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus might actually be a late-evolved trait. In non-mammals, adult hippocampal neurogenesis is not restricted to the equivalents of the dentate gyrus, which also show different connectivity and functionality compared to their mammalian counterpart. Moving actively in a changing world and dealing with novelty and complexity regulate adult neurogenesis. New neurons might thus provide the cognitive adaptability to conquer ecological niches rich with challenging stimuli.
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