Evolving Through Copying

The video explores how the brain evolved to be more advanced than simpler organisms through mutations and module duplications. It discusses how these duplications allow for experimentation without harming existing functions, leading to new cognitive abilities. The video also touches on spatial processing and how metaphors in language often use spatial terms, drawing on ideas from George Lakoff and Mark Johnson.

What is a general challenge in the evolution of cognitive abilities?

• Understanding how complex organisms become simpler

• Determining why mutations always lead to negative outcomes

• Explaining why all organisms have the same cognitive abilities

• Envisioning how simple genetic mutations can improve functionality

How might brain modules evolve according to the video?

• Through complete replacement of old modules

• Through duplication and subsequent adaptation

• By shrinking in size

• By merging with other modules

What role does plasticity play in brain module evolution?

• It eliminates the need for brain module duplication

• It prevents any changes in brain modules

• It allows duplicated modules to adapt to new functions

• It causes brain modules to become rigid

What is a potential outcome of duplicated brain modules?

• They perform the exact same function as the original

• They become non-functional

• They adapt to process different types of inputs

• They always lead to cognitive decline

How do George Lakoff and Mark Johnson relate to the discussion?

• They discovered new brain modules

• They disproved the concept of brain plasticity

• They studied the use of spatial metaphors in language

• They developed a new theory of evolution