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Zhang N, Zhang Y. Correlation between gyral size, brain size, and head impact risk across mammalian species. Brain Res 2024; 1828:148768. [PMID: 38244756 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
A study on primates has established that gyral size is largely independent of overall brain size. Building on this-and other research suggesting that brain gyrification may mitigate the effects of head impacts-our study aims to explore potential correlations between gyral size and the risk of head impact across a diverse range of mammalian species. Our findings corroborate the idea that gyral sizes are largely independent of brain sizes, especially among species with larger brains, thus extending this observation beyond primates. Preliminary evidence also suggests a correlation between an animal's gyral size and its lifestyle, particularly in terms of head-impact risk. For instance, goats, known for their headbutting behaviors, exhibit smaller gyral sizes. In contrast, species such as manatees and dugongs, which typically face lower risks of head impact, have lissencephalic brains. Additionally, we explore mechanisms that may explain how narrower gyral sizes could offer protective advantages against head impact. Finally, we discuss a possible trade-off associated with gyrencephaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nianqin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Yongjun Zhang
- Science College, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin 123000, China.
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2
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Lyras GA, Werdelin L, van der Geer BGM, van der Geer AAE. Fossil brains provide evidence of underwater feeding in early seals. Commun Biol 2023; 6:747. [PMID: 37591929 PMCID: PMC10435510 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05135-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pinnipeds (seals and related species) use their whiskers to explore their environment and locate their prey. Today they live mostly in marine habitats and are adapted for a highly specialised amphibious lifestyle with their flippers for locomotion and a hydrodynamically streamlined body. The earliest pinnipeds, however, lived on land and in freshwater habitats, much like mustelids today. Here we reconstruct the underwater foraging behaviour of one of these earliest pinnipeds (Potamotherium), focusing in particular on how it used its whiskers (vibrissae). For this purpose, we analyse the coronal gyrus of the brain of 7 fossil and 31 extant carnivorans. This region receives somatosensory input from the head. Our results show that the reliance on whiskers in modern pinnipeds is an ancestral feature that favoured survival of stem pinnipeds in marine habitats. This study provides insights into an impressive ecological transition in carnivoran evolution: from terrestrial to amphibious marine species. Adaptations for underwater foraging were crucial for this transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Lyras
- Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, Department of Historical Geology-Palaeontology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784, Zografos, Greece
| | - Lars Werdelin
- Department of Palaeobiology, Swedish Museum of Natural History, SE-10405, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Alexandra A E van der Geer
- Vertebrate Evolution, Development and Ecology, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 RA, Leiden, the Netherlands.
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, 2311 EZ, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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Paszta W, Goździewska-Harłajczuk K, Klećkowska-Nawrot J. Morphology and Histology of the Orbital Region and Eye of the Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus)—Similarities and Differences within the Caniformia Suborder. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070801. [PMID: 35405790 PMCID: PMC8997068 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we present first data concerning the morphological observations of the orbital region, eye tunics, upper and lower eyelids, superficial gland of the third eyelid with the third eyelid, and lacrimal gland in captive adult male Asiatic black bear. The following research methods were used in the work: the eyeball morphometry, the orbital region description, macroscopic description, morphometric and histological analysis of the eye tunics and selected the accessory organs of the eye (Fontana–Masson, hematoxylin & eosin (H&E), Methyl-green-pyronin Y (MGP Y), Movat pentachrome, and picro-Mallory trichrome) as well as histochemical examination (PAS, AB pH 1.0, AB pH 2.5, AB pH 2.5/PAS and HDI). The eyeball of the Asiatic black bear was a spherical shape, while the periorbita was funnel/conical-shaped and the eye socket was of the open type. The cornea was absent of the Bowman’s membrane similar to all domestic dogs and some wild dogs. There were palisades of Vogt in the corneal limbus epithelium similar to the Canidae. Degenerative choroidal tapetum lucidum similar to ranch mink (Mustelidae) has been found. The pupil was big and round in shape. The ciliary muscle, dilatator and sphincter muscle were well developed, similar to the pinnipeds. The lens was biconvex round, similar to the Canidae. The retina was composed similarly to the diurnal terrestrial carnivores. In both eyelids were observed very well-developed tarsal glands, ciliary glands and sebaceous glands. The orbital zone in the eyelids was characterized by lymphoid follicles, diffuse lymphocytes and specialized high endothelial venules. In the anterior palpebral margin of the upper eyelid, soft and short eyelashes were observed, while in the lower eyelids they were absent. The third eyelid was T-shaped and composed of the hyaline tissue, and it contained CALT, similar to that in Canidae. The superficial gland of the third eyelid was a multilobar alveolar branched complex with seromucous nature, while the lacrimal gland was also a multilobar acinar branched complex gland, but producing a mucous–serous secretion. The results of our research indicate that the features of the anatomy of the eye and orbital region in Asiatic black bear are also typical of the Ursidae family. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the morphological eye region may be useful in comparative studies and veterinary diagnostics in this bear species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Paszta
- Wroclaw Zoological Garden, Wróblewskiego 1/5, 51-618 Wrocław, Poland
- Correspondence: (W.P.); (K.G.-H.)
| | - Karolina Goździewska-Harłajczuk
- Department of Biostructure and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 1, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland;
- Correspondence: (W.P.); (K.G.-H.)
| | - Joanna Klećkowska-Nawrot
- Department of Biostructure and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 1, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland;
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McKnight JC, Ruesch A, Bennett K, Bronkhorst M, Balfour S, Moss SEW, Milne R, Tyack PL, Kainerstorfer JM, Hastie GD. Shining new light on sensory brain activation and physiological measurement in seals using wearable optical technology. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200224. [PMID: 34121458 PMCID: PMC8200653 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory ecology and physiology of free-ranging animals is challenging to study but underpins our understanding of decision-making in the wild. Existing non-invasive human biomedical technology offers tools that could be harnessed to address these challenges. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a wearable, non-invasive biomedical imaging technique measures oxy- and deoxyhaemoglobin concentration changes that can be used to detect localized neural activation in the brain. We tested the efficacy of fNIRS to detect cortical activation in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and identify regions of the cortex associated with different senses (vision, hearing and touch). The activation of specific cerebral areas in seals was detected by fNIRS in responses to light (vision), sound (hearing) and whisker stimulation (touch). Physiological parameters, including heart and breathing rate, were also extracted from the fNIRS signal, which allowed neural and physiological responses to be monitored simultaneously. This is, to our knowledge, the first time fNIRS has been used to detect cortical activation in a non-domesticated or laboratory animal. Because fNIRS is non-invasive and wearable, this study demonstrates its potential as a tool to quantitatively investigate sensory perception and brain function while simultaneously recording heart rate, tissue and arterial oxygen saturation of haemoglobin, perfusion changes and breathing rate in free-ranging animals. This article is part of the theme issue 'Measuring physiology in free-living animals (Part I)'.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Chris McKnight
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Alexander Ruesch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kimberley Bennett
- Division of Science, School of Engineering and Technology, Abertay University, Dundee, UK
| | - Mathijs Bronkhorst
- Artinis Medical Systems BV, Einsteinweg 17, 6662 PW Elst, The Netherlands
| | - Steve Balfour
- Sea Mammal Research Unit Instrumentation Group, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Simon E. W. Moss
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Ryan Milne
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Peter L. Tyack
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Jana M. Kainerstorfer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Gordon D. Hastie
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
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Pillay S, Bhagwandin A, Bertelsen MF, Patzke N, Engler G, Engel AK, Manger PR. The diencephalon of two carnivore species: The feliform banded mongoose and the caniform domestic ferret. J Comp Neurol 2020; 529:52-86. [PMID: 32964417 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This study provides an analysis of the cytoarchitecture, myeloarchitecture, and chemoarchitecture of the diencephalon (dorsal thalamus, ventral thalamus, and epithalamus) of the banded mongoose (Mungos mungo) and domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo). Using architectural and immunohistochemical stains, we observe that the nuclear organization of the diencephalon is very similar in the two species, and similar to that reported in other carnivores, such as the domestic cat and dog. The same complement of putatively homologous nuclei were identified in both species, with only one variance, that being the presence of the perireticular nucleus in the domestic ferret, that was not observed in the banded mongoose. The chemoarchitecture was also mostly consistent between species, although there were a number of minor variations across a range of nuclei in the density of structures expressing the calcium-binding proteins parvalbumin, calbindin, and calretinin. Thus, despite almost 53 million years since these two species of carnivores shared a common ancestor, strong phylogenetic constraints appear to limit the potential for adaptive evolutionary plasticity within the carnivore order. Apart from the presence of the perireticular nucleus, the most notable difference between the species studied was the physical inversion of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, as well as the lateral posterior and pulvinar nuclei in the domestic ferret compared to the banded mongoose and other carnivores, although this inversion appears to be a feature of the Mustelidae family. While no functional sequelae are suggested, this inversion is likely to result from the altricial birth of Mustelidae species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sashrika Pillay
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Adhil Bhagwandin
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mads F Bertelsen
- Centre for Zoo and Wild Animal Health, Copenhagen Zoo, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Nina Patzke
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Gerhard Engler
- Department of Neurophysiology and Pathophysiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas K Engel
- Department of Neurophysiology and Pathophysiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paul R Manger
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Bauer GB, Cook PF, Harley HE. The Relevance of Ecological Transitions to Intelligence in Marine Mammals. Front Psychol 2020; 11:2053. [PMID: 33013519 PMCID: PMC7505747 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Macphail's comparative approach to intelligence focused on associative processes, an orientation inconsistent with more multifaceted lay and scientific understandings of the term. His ultimate emphasis on associative processes indicated few differences in intelligence among vertebrates. We explore options more attuned to common definitions by considering intelligence in terms of richness of representations of the world, the interconnectivity of those representations, the ability to flexibly change those connections, and knowledge. We focus on marine mammals, represented by the amphibious pinnipeds and the aquatic cetaceans and sirenians, as animals that transitioned from a terrestrial existence to an aquatic one, experiencing major changes in ecological pressures. They adapted with morphological transformations related to streamlining the body, physiological changes in respiration and thermoregulation, and sensory/perceptual changes, including echolocation capabilities and diminished olfaction in many cetaceans, both in-air and underwater visual focus, and enhanced senses of touch in pinnipeds and sirenians. Having a terrestrial foundation on which aquatic capacities were overlaid likely affected their cognitive abilities, especially as a new reliance on sound and touch, and the need to surface to breath changed their interactions with the world. Vocal and behavioral observational learning capabilities in the wild and in laboratory experiments suggest versatility in group coordination. Empirical reports on aspects of intelligent behavior like problem-solving, spatial learning, and concept learning by various species of cetaceans and pinnipeds suggest rich cognitive abilities. The high energy demands of the brain suggest that brain-intelligence relationships might be fruitful areas for study when specific hypotheses are considered, e.g., brain mapping indicates hypertrophy of specific sensory areas in marine mammals. Modern neuroimaging techniques provide ways to study neural connectivity, and the patterns of connections between sensory, motor, and other cortical regions provide a biological framework for exploring how animals represent and flexibly use information in navigating and learning about their environment. At this stage of marine mammal research, it would still be prudent to follow Macphail's caution that it is premature to make strong comparative statements without more empirical evidence, but an approach that includes learning more about how animals flexibly link information across multiple representations could be a productive way of comparing species by allowing them to use their specific strengths within comparative tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon B Bauer
- Division of Social Sciences, New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL, United States
- Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, United States
| | - Peter F Cook
- Division of Social Sciences, New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL, United States
- Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, United States
| | - Heidi E Harley
- Division of Social Sciences, New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL, United States
- Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, United States
- The Seas, Epcot®, Walt Disney World® Resorts, Lake Buena Vista, FL, United States
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Smaers JB, Turner AH, Gómez-Robles A, Sherwood CC. A cerebellar substrate for cognition evolved multiple times independently in mammals. eLife 2018; 7:e35696. [PMID: 29809137 PMCID: PMC6003771 DOI: 10.7554/elife.35696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Given that complex behavior evolved multiple times independently in different lineages, a crucial question is whether these independent evolutionary events coincided with modifications to common neural systems. To test this question in mammals, we investigate the lateral cerebellum, a neurobiological system that is novel to mammals, and is associated with higher cognitive functions. We map the evolutionary diversification of the mammalian cerebellum and find that relative volumetric changes of the lateral cerebellar hemispheres (independent of cerebellar size) are correlated with measures of domain-general cognition in primates, and are characterized by a combination of parallel and convergent shifts towards similar levels of expansion in distantly related mammalian lineages. Results suggest that multiple independent evolutionary occurrences of increased behavioral complexity in mammals may at least partly be explained by selection on a common neural system, the cerebellum, which may have been subject to multiple independent neurodevelopmental remodeling events during mammalian evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen B Smaers
- Department of AnthropologyStony Brook UniversityNew YorkUnited States
- Center for the Advanced Study of Human PaleobiologyStony Brook UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Alan H Turner
- Department of Anatomical SciencesStony Brook UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Aida Gómez-Robles
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and EnvironmentUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of AnthropologyThe George Washington UniversityWashingtonUnited States
| | - Chet C Sherwood
- Department of AnthropologyThe George Washington UniversityWashingtonUnited States
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Triarhou LC. The Comparative Neurology of Neocortical Gyration and the Quest for Functional Specialization. Front Syst Neurosci 2017; 11:96. [PMID: 29311858 PMCID: PMC5744476 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2017.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lazaros C Triarhou
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Applied Neuroscience and Graduate Program in Neuroscience and Education, University of Macedonia, Thessalonica, Greece
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