Evolutionary Neuropsychology

Evolutionary Neuropsychology: The Evolution of the Structures and Functions of the Human Brain presents the essential thinking behind neural reuse theories and how major exaptations have profoundly influenced modern brain structures and functions. In order to establish a baseline of knowledge, the book begins by presenting the specific features of the current human brain and its evolutionary background. It then overviews the evolutionary timeline of life-hence animals, primates and hominids, covering the more important exaptations that are thought to have occurred in the evolution of today's human brain.

With this background in place, the book then examines the theories of neural tissue reuse (exaptations) and the various hypotheses on how neural circuitry of the human brain has been recycled, repurposed and redeployed for new, higher cognitive purposes-often without losing original function.

• Clearly defines and delineates adaptations versus exaptations
• Explores ten major exaptations of the human brain
• Presents the evolution of the brain by the original adaptations of natural selection
• Discusses the controversial topic of 'embodied cognition'
• Emphasizes the anthropological grade shifts between Neanderthals and modern Homo sapiens
• Includes an extensive glossary of neuropsychological, cognitive, anthropological, archaeological and other terminology