Showing posts with label neuroanatomists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label neuroanatomists. Show all posts

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Bird Brains Have as many Neurons as Primates

Birds are far more intelligent and impressive creatures than some may realize. Even with small brains birds are capable of making complex cognitive decisions and actions. How is this possible? These avian creatures have a high neuron density. Though the brain is small the amount of neurons is near that of a mid sized primate. The study comes from universities out of Austria, Czech Republic, and Brazil. It was one of the first studies of its kind in the methods used to calculate the amount of neurons. Over twenty different species were sampled and brains dissected. The findings of the study were overall expected in the science community. As such, behaviors like tool building found in crows, and majestical vocal abilities found within songbirds, require higher cognitive function.