Adapting to Thrive: How the Evolution of Brain Physiology Shapes Human Behavior

Abstract

In this paper we analyze diverse theories about the workings of the mind and the evolutionary trajectory of brain physiology, giving rise to species-typical mechanisms in human cognition. Evolutionary psychology has shed light on how a computational theory of the mind elucidates the development of specialized psychological programs, enhancing our fitness based on ancestral conditions. An example of such adaptation is the expansion of the prefrontal cortex relative to body size, particularly among primates. This enlargement fosters the formation of intricate social structures, leading to more extensive groups and refined social dynamics. Interestingly, this positive link between brain size and social structure holds true for both humans and non-human primates. Recent strides in neuroscience and brain technology have enabled us to uncover the primary brain regions influencing social cognition, executive function, and emotional processing. Brain areas including the frontal lobe, prefrontal cortex, insular cortex, cingulate cortex, hypothalamus, and others intricately shape learning, emotion regulation, and decision-making processes. Therefore, the evidence for the evolutionary theory of the mind and its implications for behavioral neuroscience are undeniable.