Building Bigger Brains
We humans pride ourselves on having large, supple brains. But while our brains are larger than those of most other animals, it appears that over time our presence can result in smaller-brained animals having cerebral growth spurts.
Growth Both Urban And Rural
Scientists have found that certain small mammals — including some species of shrew, vole, bat, gopher, mouse and squirrel — have larger brains when they live near or around people in both urban and rural areas.
For example, one study found that the brains of urban-dwelling white-footed mice and meadow voles are about six percent larger than their rural cousins.
Meanwhile, as habitats have become developed, rural dwelling shrews and bats have also evolved larger brains over the past century.
We humans pride ourselves on having large, supple brains. But while our brains are larger than those of most other animals, it appears that over time our presence can result in smaller-brained animals having cerebral growth spurts.
Growth Both Urban And Rural
Scientists have found that certain small mammals — including some species of shrew, vole, bat, gopher, mouse and squirrel — have larger brains when they live near or around people in both urban and rural areas.
For example, one study found that the brains of urban-dwelling white-footed mice and meadow voles are about six percent larger than their rural cousins.
Meanwhile, as habitats have become developed, rural dwelling shrews and bats have also evolved larger brains over the past century.