Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026
06:48
Breakfast Habits among Schoolchildren in the City of Uruguaiana, Brazil
Published on: July 29, 2020
5.2K
Habit formation generates secondary modules that emulate the efficiency of evolved behavior
Samuel A Nordli1, Peter M Todd1
1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and the Cognitive Science Program,Indiana University,Bloomington,IN 47405-7007snordli@indiana.edupmtodd@indiana.eduhttp://www.indiana.edu/~abcwest/.
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|January 19, 2018
Summary
General intelligence and adaptive motor control may have evolved together in vertebrates. This occurred before social learning, linked to basal ganglia circuitry and habit formation.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive science
Background:
- The habit-formation system is a fundamental vertebrate trait.
- Learned "secondary modules" represent acquired knowledge or skills.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the evolutionary link between secondary modules and habit formation.
- To propose a model for the early evolution of general intelligence.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of existing research.
- Comparative analysis of vertebrate neurobiology.
Main Results:
- Secondary modules may have co-evolved with the basal ganglia's role in motor control and habit formation.
- General intelligence aspects likely preceded social learning's influence.
Conclusions:
- The basal ganglia's circuitry is crucial for understanding the evolution of intelligence.
- Adaptive motor control mechanisms provided a foundation for developing general intelligence.
Related Concept Videos
00:54What is Behavior?
10.3K
Behaviors are actions that an organism engages in—they can be related to finding food, reproducing, defending against threats, and many other possible actions. Behaviors include activities related to the environment around the animal—such as migration—as well as social interactions within a species or population. Many behaviors involve motor output—that is, muscle movements—while others involve less visible actions, such as learning.
10.3K
03:02Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots
60.7K
Vascular plants, which account for over 90% of the Earth’s vegetation, all undergo primary growth—which lengthens roots and shoots. Many land plants, notably woody plants, also undergo secondary growth—which thickens roots and shoots.
60.7K
01:55Secondary Active Transport
138.4K
One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme “pump” embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of...
138.4K
01:32Secondary Active Transport
9.8K
One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme "pump" embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of...
9.8K
01:11Secondary Healthcare System
2.1K
Secondary healthcare is offered by a specialist, generally in hospitals or clinics for patients referred by primary healthcare providers. It occurs when a person has an illness or injury that requires specific medical care. Secondary care is often referred to as acute care. Secondary care can range from uncomplicated care to repair a minor laceration or treat a strep throat infection to more complicated emergent care, such as treating a head injury sustained in an automobile accident. Whatever...
2.1K
01:25Secondary Distribution
585
Secondary distribution systems provide electrical energy at the utilization voltage levels from distribution transformers to customer meters. Typical secondary voltages in the United States include 120/240 V for residential use, 208Y/120 V for residential and commercial use, and 480Y/277 V for industrial and high-rise commercial use.
In residential areas, 120/240 V single-phase, three-wire service is commonly used for lighting, outlets, and large appliances. Urban areas with high-density loads...
In residential areas, 120/240 V single-phase, three-wire service is commonly used for lighting, outlets, and large appliances. Urban areas with high-density loads...
585