How Size Differences in Mammals Influence Brain Evolution
29 July 2024 at 00:38
A new study reveals that sexual size dimorphism (SSD) in mammals is linked to genome evolution. Species with large size differences between sexes have larger gene families for olfactory functions and smaller ones for brain development. Conversely, species with minimal size differences invest more in brain development and complex social behaviors. These findings suggest that SSD influences the evolution of sensory and cognitive traits in mammals.