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Infant Brain Development and Plasticity from an Evolutionary Perspective

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Evolutionary Perspectives on Infancy

Part of the book series: Evolutionary Psychology ((EVOLPSYCH))

Abstract

The evolution of the human brain following the split from the last common ancestor of hominins and Pan has involved a substantial increase in size as well as modifications to the internal, cellular organization. These changes were likely achieved through modifications in the timing and rate of development during hominin evolution. The result of those changes is a uniquely derived developmental trajectory of the brain in humans compared to non-human primates, which includes an accelerated rate of growth prenatally and in infancy, prolonged development, and substantial postnatal plasticity. The outcome of these evolutionary modifications is significant brain growth and development occurring postnatally. This allows the brain to be shaped by the physical and social environment outside of the uterus to a greater degree than is seen in non-human primates, contributing to the cognitive flexibility, intelligence, and brain plasticity of humans.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anthropology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA

    Linnea Wilder & Katerina Semendeferi

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  1. Linnea Wilder
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  2. Katerina Semendeferi
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Correspondence to Katerina Semendeferi .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA

    Sybil L. Hart

  2. Department of Psychology, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA

    David F. Bjorklund

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Wilder, L., Semendeferi, K. (2022). Infant Brain Development and Plasticity from an Evolutionary Perspective. In: Hart, S.L., Bjorklund, D.F. (eds) Evolutionary Perspectives on Infancy. Evolutionary Psychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76000-7_3

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