![thenewenlightenmentage:
Cooperating Mini-Brains Show How Intelligence Evolved
Working together can hasten brain evolution, according to a new computer simulation.
When programmed to navigate challenging cooperative tasks, the artificial neural networks set up by scientists to serve as mini-brains “learned” to work together, evolving the virtual equivalent of boosted brainpower over generations. The findings support a long-held theory that social interactions may have triggered brain evolution in human ancestors.
“It is the transition to a cooperative group that can lead to maximum selection for intelligence,” said study researcher Luke McNally, a doctoral candidate at Trinity College Dublin. Greater intelligence, in turn, leads to more sophisticated cooperation, McNally told LiveScience. [10 Fun Brain Facts]
Read More
Image Info: It may take a big brain to handle a big group of friends.
Image Credit: Jezper, Shutterstock](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2bttaDq8r1qibnz5o1_500.jpg)
Cooperating Mini-Brains Show How Intelligence Evolved
Working together can hasten brain evolution, according to a new computer simulation.
When programmed to navigate challenging cooperative tasks, the artificial neural networks set up by scientists to serve as mini-brains “learned” to work together, evolving the virtual equivalent of boosted brainpower over generations. The findings support a long-held theory that social interactions may have triggered brain evolution in human ancestors.
“It is the transition to a cooperative group that can lead to maximum selection for intelligence,” said study researcher Luke McNally, a doctoral candidate at Trinity College Dublin. Greater intelligence, in turn, leads to more sophisticated cooperation, McNally told LiveScience. [10 Fun Brain Facts]
Image Info: It may take a big brain to handle a big group of friends.
Image Credit: Jezper, Shutterstock
