Banerjee, Arkarup, Phelps, Steven M, Kebschull, Justus M (September 2025) The Unusual Effectiveness of Evolution in Systems Neuroscience. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology. a041510-a041510. ISSN 1943-0264
Abstract
This perspective advocates for "evolutionary systems neuroscience" as a framework combining evolutionary biology with neural circuit analysis. Evolution creates natural circuit modifications that preserve essential functions while enabling new behaviors. Modern technologies now allow researchers to investigate causal connections from genes to circuits to behaviors with unprecedented precision. By studying both convergent and divergent evolution, we can uncover both broad computational principles and specific implementation mechanisms. Across diverse examples-from insect courtship to rodent communication-we explore how targeted circuit changes drive behavioral innovation without disrupting core functions. This framework may reveal "deep homologies" in neural mechanisms, similar to how evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo) identified conserved genetic toolkits in morphological development. This evolutionary lens promises not just to reveal how brains work, but why they work the way they do-providing insights that extend beyond neuroscience to complex adaptive systems more broadly.
| Item Type: | Paper |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | neurobiology neurobiology > neuroscience neurobiology > neuroscience > systems neuroscience |
| CSHL Authors: | |
| Communities: | CSHL labs > Banerjee lab |
| SWORD Depositor: | CSHL Elements |
| Depositing User: | CSHL Elements |
| Date: | 22 September 2025 |
| Date Deposited: | 26 Sep 2025 15:54 |
| Last Modified: | 26 Sep 2025 15:54 |
| Related URLs: | |
| URI: | https://repository.cshl.edu/id/eprint/41969 |
Actions (login required)
 |
Administrator's edit/view item |