The evolutionary origin of intelligence

The source of intelligence and mental illness is related to ancient genetic accidents.

>>>Brain size determines intelligence?

Scientists first discovered how humans and other mammals have evolved to have intelligence.

Researchers have identified a time in history when genes allow us to think and deduce evolution.

This time was determined to be about 500 million years ago. This is the moment that is supposed to give us the ability to learn complex skills, analyze situations and have flexibility in the way we think.

Professor Seth Grant, of the University of Edinburgh, who led the study, said: "One of the biggest scientific problems is how to explain how complex intelligence and behavior arise. born during evolution ".

This study, detailed in two papers in Nature Neuroscience, also shows a direct link between the evolution of behavior and the origin of brain diseases.

Scientists believe that genes that help improve our intellectual capacity are also responsible for some brain disorders.

John Williams, Head of Neuroscience and Mental Health at the Wellcome Trust, one of the research sponsors, said that the finding will help us understand the occurrence of mental disorders and will provide A new way to develop new treatments.

Research shows that human intelligence develops as a result of an increase in the number of brain genes in our evolutionary ancestors.

Researchers believe that a simple invertebrate living in the sea 500 million years ago experienced a 'genetic accident' , which created more copies of these genes being created. .

The descendants of this animal benefit from additional genes, leading to vertebrates, sophisticated behavior - including humans.

The research team studied the intellectual capabilities of mice and humans, using comparative tasks that include defined objects on touch screen computers.

Researchers then combined the results of behavioral tests with information from the genetic codes of different species to find out when different behaviors evolved.

They found that nerve functions were higher in humans and mice that were controlled by the same genes.

The study also showed that when these genes are mutated or damaged, they degrade the neural function.

"Our research shows that the price of intelligence is higher and the behavior is more complex than mental illness," said Professor Grant.

Previous researchers have shown that more than 100 brain diseases in children and adults are caused by genetic mutations.

"Now we can apply genetic and behavioral tests to help patients with these brain diseases," said Dr. Tim Bussey from Cambridge University, who also participated in the study.