Brain organization and evolution in subterranean mole rats |
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| Authors: | P Pirlot E Nevo |
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| Institution: | Department of Biological Sciences, University of Montreal, Canada, and Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, Israel |
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| Abstract: | Relative brain component sizes have been analyzed in subterranean mole rats of the Spalax ehren-bergi superspecies in Israel. Our results indicate that brain size and brain component sizes may have evolved in association with specific stresses underground involving the distinct development of vocalzation, olfaction and tactile sensory communication systems all compensating for the loss of vision. |
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| Keywords: | Brain adaptation Brain component sizes Subterranean niche Encephalization Spalax ehrenbergi |
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