The Impact of Evolution and Lifestyle on the Cerebellar Microstructure

Abstract

The cerebellum is the largest component of the hindbrain. It contains 80% of the total neurons of the brain and is a key part of the brains of vertebrate animals. It plays a role in coordination of controlled movement, proprioception and development of language skills in both humans and animals. There is considerable variation in the size and shape of the cerebellum between animal species. This variation is thought to be driven by both evolution and lifestyle of the vertebrate animals. This is particularly seen with cetaceans as they have extremely large cerebellums. Cetaceans possess a unique ability to echolocate prey and the areas of the cerebellum associated with echolocation are enlarged.