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Summary

Geary's theory proposes mitochondria as a unitary energy source for cognitive function and health. However, this review argues the theory is implausible and does not align with known intelligence properties.

Keywords:
attentionheritabilityintelligenceprocessing speedworking memory

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Evolutionary Psychology
  • Genetics of Intelligence

Background:

  • Spearman's
  • g
  • factor theory proposed specific cognitive factors and a general intelligence factor ('mental energy').
  • Recent theories explore low-level biological determinants of general intelligence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate Geary's recent theory linking mitochondrial function to general intelligence and health.
  • To assess the plausibility of a unitary biological energy source for cognitive abilities.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical review and critique of Geary's (2018, 2019) proposals.
  • Comparison of the proposed theory with established psychological and genetic findings on intelligence.
  • Analysis of the proposed link between mitochondrial function, cognition, and health/fitness.

Main Results:

  • Geary's theory offers innovative, testable predictions regarding mitochondria and cognitive function.
  • The theory is deemed generally implausible and poorly aligned with known psychological and genetic properties of intelligence.
  • The proposed link between mitochondrial energy and intelligence/health outcomes is not well-supported by current evidence.

Conclusions:

  • While an elegant theoretical model, Geary's mitochondrial theory is unlikely to accurately describe the biological basis of general intelligence.
  • Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay between biological factors, cognition, and health.
  • The theory serves as a speculative model rather than a current explanation of intelligence.