Bigger Brains - Bigger Burden or Bigger Benefit? New Study Has Answers
Bigger brains are a good thing for all animals, as they tend to live longer.
But, previous research has suggested one disadvantage in terms of survival that is also reflected in humans, and that is of a reduction in reproduction and the amount of offspring produced. Taking this into consideration, bigger brains are not so smart, despite the longer life correlation.
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A new study about red deer in the UK, says differently.
Measuring the interior volume of 1314 red deer skulls from a population that has been studied for over 40 years, they did not find any actual correlation between a red deer female's brain size, and how often she gave birth in her life.
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This was reported in the Royal Society Open Science journal, published yesterday, December 14th. The publication title is Endocranial volume is heritable and is associated with longevity and fitness in a wild mammal. Read it in full in the link.
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Additionally, the red deer females with larger brains were found to not only have longer lives, but also having more surviving offspring (not that they gave birth more or less), passing their bigger brains onto evolutionary success. Therefore, the bigger brains are beneficial and a success in the long term. Red deer males, however, did not have any association between the size of their brains and longevity or their lifetime breeding success. The scientists noted that the male red deers do have antlers, which could account for differences in brains.
All in all bigger brains aren't such a burden, despite previous research on guppies or other animals showing larger brains requiring more energy to help improve learning, but resulting in fewer offspring.
The red deer shows this is not the case for all animals. Larger brains aren't as costly as was previously thought.
Brains are a gift. Brain power comes with brain size in most animal species. We can be thankful we have a well developed brain to give us the power of consciousness we have. Even if our brain isn't technically the largest. :D
Thank you for your time and attention! I appreciate the knowledge reaching more people. Take care. Peace.
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References:
- Endocranial volume is heritable and is associated with longevity and fitness in a wild mammal
- First evidence that wild mammals benefit from bigger brains
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@krnel
2016-12-15, 10:50am
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Great write up @krnel. Fascinating subject, and one that we (humans) should be thankful we have! It is interesting that they observed a correlation in female deer but not male deer. Perhaps larger brains are more advantageous for the member of the species making more decisions ( in the case of deer the females are finding safe places for their young etc...). Thank you for taking the time to educate us all.
As a bonus, and in addition to resteeming for exposure. We are awarding you a small 5 Steem Power deposit as a thank you for creating quality STEM related postings on Steemit. We hope you will continue to educate us all!
Thank you for the feedback and once more for the support :)
Good info clearly presented!
@kus-knee (The Old Dog)
Great knowledge. Really enjoying your posts!
Thanks ;)
I thought it was the number of "wrinkles" or lines in the brain that determined intelligence- the more lines, the more intellectual acumen.
Size matters. But the structure matters as well, which is why we are more developed despite some animals having larger brains. I made sure to mention that in closing.