The Role of Cognitive Circuitry and Neuron Wiring in Human Intelligence

A new study published in Science Advances explores the relationship between brain size, cognitive function, and energy consumption. While large brains are rare in animals due to the high energy costs they require, the study suggests that it's not just brain size that determines intelligence. The research found that the neocortex, responsible for higher cognitive functions, demands significantly more energy than other parts of the brain. This suggests that the expansion of the neocortex in human evolution led to increased energy consumption, indicating that the connectivity and circuitry of the brain play a crucial role in human intelligence. The study highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between energy expenditure and cognition in the evolution of human intelligence.