Digest: A synergistic approach explains the evolutionary connection between brain size and longevity. (1st December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Silva, Willian T.A.F.
• Is Part Of: Evolution. Volume 74:Number 12(2020)
• Page Start: 2743
• Page End: 2745
• Publication Date: 2020-12-01
• Subjects: Evolution -- Periodicals; Heredity -- Periodicals; Évolution (Biologie) -- Périodiques; Hérédité -- Périodiques; 338.47004094
• DOI: 10.1111/evo.14118
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-3820

Abstract

Abstract: The cognitive buffer hypothesis poses that brain size evolves to buffer individuals from environmental changes, increasing survival. Jiménez‐Ortega et al. (2020) explored this hypothesis using a phylogenetic path analysis and showed that there is a direct causal link between brain size and longevity in birds, even when allometric effects are taken into account. Furthermore, a synergistic model was better supported than models that included independent effects of brain size and body size.