Evolutionary framework for identifying sex- and species-specific vulnerabilities in brain development and functions

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Evolutionary Biology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Sexual selection is a key evolutionary driver of sex differences but is underutilized in brain development and function studies.
• Understanding sex-based brain differences is crucial for comprehending cognition and vulnerability to stressors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a conceptual framework using sexual selection to guide research on sex differences in the brain.
• To organize existing knowledge and identify new avenues for studying sex differences in brain and cognition.
• To predict brain systems susceptible to stressor-induced disruption.

Main Methods:

• This mini-review synthesizes existing literature and evolutionary theory.
• It uses examples from birdsong and spatial navigation to illustrate the framework's application.
• The approach focuses on trait elaboration and stressor sensitivity in relation to sexual selection.

Main Results:

• Sexual selection can lead to elaborated traits in one sex, increasing their sensitivity to stressors.
• The proposed framework helps organize current findings on sex differences in the brain.
• It provides a method for discovering additional sex differences and predicting vulnerable brain systems.

Conclusions:

• Applying sexual selection theory offers a powerful lens for neuroscience research on sex differences.
• This evolutionary perspective enhances our understanding of brain development, cognition, and stressor impacts.
• The framework facilitates targeted research and prediction of neurobiological vulnerabilities.