Scientists have discovered that human brains grew steadily over millions of years rather than experiencing sudden leaps in size between species. A new study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, challenges previous ideas about human brain evolution. The research team, consisting of scientists from the University of Reading, the University of Oxford, and Durham University, assembled the largest-ever dataset of ancient human fossils spanning 7 million years.
They used advanced computational methods to account for gaps in the fossil record, providing the most comprehensive view of how brain size evolved over time. Professor Chris Venditti, co-author of the study from the University of Reading, said, “This study completely changes our understanding of how human brains evolved. It was previously thought that brain size jumps dramatically between species, like new upgrades between the latest computer models.
Our study instead shows a steady, incremental increase happening within each species over millions of years.”
The findings suggest that gradual and continuous change was the driving force behind brain size evolution, rather than some species being unchanging and unable to adapt. Dr.
Steady evolution in brain size
Thomas Puschel, lead author now at Oxford University, noted, “Big evolutionary changes don’t always need dramatic events.
They can happen through small, gradual improvements over time, much like how we learn and adapt today.”
The researchers also found that while larger-bodied species generally had bigger brains, the variation observed within an ancient species did not consistently correlate with body size. This highlights the complexity of evolutionary pressures on brain size across long timescales. Dr.
Joanna Baker, co-author from the University of Reading, stated, “Why and how humans evolved large brains is a central question in human evolution. By studying brain and body size in various species over millions of years, we reveal that our hallmark large brains arose primarily from gradual changes within individual species.”
The study provides new insights into the evolution of human brains and challenges long-standing ideas about sudden leaps in brain size between species. The findings emphasize the importance of gradual and continuous change in shaping the development of our brains over millions of years.
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
