Intelligence on Earth Evolved Independently at Least Twice
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Summary
Researchers have found birds and mammals evolved intelligence independently, and that their neural circuits are more similar than previously thought.
In a series of studies, scientists analysed brain circuits in mammals and birds.
They found that the structures, which were thought to be involved in reflexive movements, were in fact made up of neural circuits similar to those found in the mammalian neocortex, despite taking different pathways to develop.
The findings, which were published in February 2025, show that avian and mammalian brains developed distinct neural pathways, but that they formed similar circuits.
This suggests there are “limited degrees of freedom” in generating an intelligent brain, the researchers said, with intelligence likely evolving multiple times.
