Brain size
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This article uses direct referencing.
Since the brain has enlarged considerably during hominid evolution, brain size is a central term in many discussions related to cognitive evolution, intelligence and a number of brain disorders, especially microcephaly. To compare different brains, several indicators of brain size have been used. These include absolute brain size, relative brain size (normalized by body size or weight), and the encephalization coefficient.
Determinants of brain size
- microcephalin (MCPH1) and ASPM (MCH 5) (cf. Stern and Woods, 2006; Tang 2006)
- pelvic size in females (cf. Ridley 1995)
Correlates of brain size
- Gyrification (cf. Hofman 1989 and Casanova et al., 2004),
- maximum rate of population increase (Isler & Van Schaik, 2009)
- basal metabolic rate (Isler & van Schaik, 2006a)
- flight musculature (Isler & van Schaik, 2006b)