The Key to Human Intelligence Lies in Brain Wiring, Not Size

The size of the human brain has long been associated with intelligence, but recent research suggests that brain size alone is not the determining factor. Instead, changes in the brain's wiring diagram, the shapes of neurons, and gene expression play crucial roles in human cognition. Evidence from studies on species with small brains, such as Homo floresiensis and Homo naledi, challenges the notion that larger brains are necessary for complex behaviors. The human brain's unique connectivity patterns and gene expression contribute to its cognitive abilities, but further research is needed to fully understand how these factors interact to shape human behavior.