The evolution of multisensory vocal communication in primates and the influence of developmental timing

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

This chapter reviews data suggesting that adult monkeys and humans (infants and adults) share behavioural and neural homologies in the domain of multisensory vocal communication. Yet, despite certain similarities in their multisensory capabilities, it is possible that neurodevelopmental processes leading to the development of these behaviours are different. While there are many putative developmental factors that could have a differential influence on the organization of the neocortex across species, one prominent factor may simply be the maturation rate of the brain. Differences in timing, and how they determine the magnitude of influence by sensory experience, mould brains into their species-typical forms. Thus, understanding the evolution of multisensory processes requires delving into the deep history of developmental processes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMultisensory Development
PublisherOxford University Press
ISBN (Electronic)9780191741470
ISBN (Print)9780199586059
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 20 2012

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Psychology

Keywords

  • Brain maturation
  • Development of speech-reading
  • Heterochrony
  • Multisensory development
  • Neural pruning
  • Perceptual narrowing
  • Precocial development

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