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Margaux Kearney's picture

Neocortex in mammals

Submitted by Margaux Kearney on Wed, 02/06/2008 - 9:40am.

After class on Thursday, Pr.Grobstein left us in suspense as to why mammals have a neocortex and amphibians/reptiles etc don't. After researching a bit on the function of the neocortex, I found something on www.brainconnection.com that I found very interesting. Catching prey requires highly tuned sensory and motor systems. The neocortex is made up of both primary sensory areas that receive input from the thalamus and primary motor areas. Mammals with a larger neocortex therefore have an advantage. Maybe the neocortex plays a role in catching prey? Just a guess....I know I have to be wrong at least one time per posting! 

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