Demski 97-24144 The evolution of the brain is marked by an increase in the size and complexity of the front-most portion of the brain, the telencephalon, as well as the expansion and increased integration of sensory systems. This pattern is apparent in several lines of organisms. Investigating and comparing how different organisms accomplish this provides insight into the evolution of the human brain as well as information about the different ways systems can process high volumes of complex information. This project examines the evolution of visual and auditory systems. Neuroanatomical studies describe the connections of visual and auditory systems and how these systems converge and are integrated in the forebrain. Physiological studies indicate how this convergence results in complex patterns of neural activity related to ongoing behavior. Results of this research add to the understanding of the evolution of the brain and to the understanding of how the brain compares information from multiple sources to arrive at an integrated representation of the external world.
