The Evolutionary Sweet-Spot for Cognition

Explore the evolutionary factors influencing cognitive development across species in this 45-minute lecture by Thomas Morgan from Arizona State University. Examine the traditional view of a monotonic relationship between environmental complexity and cognitive sophistication, supported by comparative data in mammals. Challenge this perspective by considering evidence from non-mammalian species, suggesting a more nuanced "sweet spot" for cognitive evolution. Investigate how environmental challenges, lifespan, and the metabolic cost of brain tissue interact to create optimal conditions for cognitive advancement. Gain insights into why complex cognition might be rarer than previously thought, as the lecture delves into ongoing research that reframes our understanding of the evolutionary pressures shaping intelligence across the animal kingdom.