Evolution and humans: big brain size uses energy (Evolution)

by dhw, Saturday, October 21, 2017, 15:18 (2588 days ago) @ David Turell

QUOTES: "'On an acute level, we have now demonstrated that when humans simultaneously experience extremes of physical and mental exertion, our internal trade-off preserves cognitive function as the body's priority."

"He points to examples of this trade-off in humans benefiting the brain. "The selfish nature of the brain has been observed in the unique preservation of brain mass as bodies waste away in people suffering from long-term malnutrition or starvation, as well as in children born with growth restriction.'"

David, perhaps you could explain to me how they know that, for example, a starving gorilla’s cognitive functions disappear before its body wastes away. The question should be particularly interesting for any dualist.

DAVID’s comment: The findngs make perfect sense, and suggest the entire transition from trees to ground was a well-planned transition. I view God as in control.

I can see no such suggestion in the article or in the implications of the article. It makes equally perfect sense to argue that the transition from trees to ground (possibly due to local environmental conditions) resulted in new requirements, and the need to fulfil these requirements gave rise to the expansion of the brain, which in turn gave rise to the brain’s increased demand for energy. A logical sequence begun as a RESPONSE to new conditions, not planned in advance.