ENCEPHALISATION Meaning and
Definition
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Encephalisation is a term that refers to the evolutionary process characterized by the development of a larger and more complex brain compared to ancestral forms. It describes the increase in brain size and complexity in a particular species over time. This phenomenon is often associated with higher cognitive abilities and intelligence.
Encephalisation can be observed across different animal species, highlighting the importance of brain size in adaptation and survival. It is particularly evident in mammals, as they generally possess larger brains in relation to their body size compared to other vertebrates.
The concept of encephalisation considers not only absolute brain size but also the ratio of brain size to body size. This ratio, known as encephalization quotient (EQ), provides a measure of how much brain mass a species has relative to its body mass, and serves as an indicator of cognitive capabilities.
Encephalisation is believed to have evolved as a response to various factors, including the need for enhanced sensory perception, complex social interactions, and problem-solving abilities. It is associated with improvements in memory, learning, communication, and the processing and integration of information.
Understanding encephalisation is crucial in the field of comparative neuroscience and evolutionary biology as it provides insights into the factors that have driven the evolution of intelligence and cognitive capacities across different species.
Etymology of ENCEPHALISATION
The word "encephalisation" is derived from the Greek words "enkephalos" meaning "brain" and "isation" which is a suffix used to indicate "the process of making or becoming". Thus, "encephalisation" refers to the process or state of developing a larger or more complex brain.
