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Neural reuse: A polysemous and redundant biological system subserving niche-construction

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 October 2010

Atsushi Iriki
Atsushi Iriki
Affiliation:
Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako 351-0198, Japan. iriki@brain.riken.jp http://www.brain.riken.jp/en/a_iriki.html
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Abstract

Novel functions, which emerge by reusing existing resources formerly adapted to other original usages, cannot be anticipated before the need eventually arises. Simple reuse must be accidental. However, to survive the evolutionary race, one cannot merely keep hoping for a string of good fortune. So, successful species might be gifted with “rational” and “purposeful” biological mechanisms to prepare for future reuse. Neural reuse must be extrapolated from such mechanisms.

Information

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 33 , Issue 4 , August 2010 , pp. 276 - 277
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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References

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