The neocortex of cetaceans: cytoarchitecture and comparison with other aquatic and terrestrial species.

摘要: The evolutionary process of readaptation to the aquatic environment was accompanied by extreme anatomical and physiological changes in brain. This review discusses cortical specializations three major lineages marine mammals comparison related terrestrial semiaquatic species. Different groups adopted a wide range strategies cope with challenges living. Cetaceans hippopotamids possess completely agranular neocortex contrast phocids sirenians; vertical modules are observed deep layers V VI manatees, cetaceans, phocids, hippopotamids, but different areas; clustering layer II appears insular cortex cetaceans. Finally, von Economo neurons present sirenians, some specific, yet different, distributions. interpretation functional significance such specializations, their relationships degrees adaptation phylogeny, remain difficult trace, at least until comprehensive data, including representative species from all mammalian families, become available.