Brain Size Over Time
Human brains have been evolving and changing for around 4 million years.[1] Humans evolved from having a small brain and big jaw/teeth to having a big brain and small jaw/teeth.[2]
3.9 Million Years Ago[edit]
One of humanity’s most well know ancestors, the Australopithecus Afarensis, lived during this time. Their brain size averaged roughly 430 cubic centimetres, compared to the 1,500 cubic centimeters of an average modern human’s brain. An Australopithecus Afarensis skull resembled an ape, with a very sloped forehead. This mammal’s cerebral cortex evolved to be bigger than before.[1]
Modern Day[edit]
Since the Australopithecus Afarensis, the human brain has more than tripled in size,[2] although studies are now showing that human brains are shrinking.[3] Studies are showing that brain size has decreased since population has increased.
Scientists have found a similar phenomenon with domesticated dogs in comparison to wild dogs, for example. Domestic dogs have samller more sophisticated brains, with the ability to understand human expression, an ability wild dogs do not have.[3]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Australopithecus afarensis - Australian Museum". australianmuseum.net.au. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "The human brain tripled in size slowly over three million years". Mail Online. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Are brains shrinking to make us smarter?". Retrieved 2018-10-01.
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