Superior pattern processing is the essence of the evolved human brain

Abstract

Humans have long pondered the nature of their mind/brain and, particularly why its capacities for reasoning, communication and abstract thought are far superior to other species, including closely related anthropoids. This article considers superior pattern processing (SPP) as the fundamental basis of most, if not all, unique features of the human brain including intelligence, language, imagination, invention, and the belief in imaginary entities such as ghosts and gods. SPP involves the electrochemical, neuronal network-based, encoding, integration, and transfer to other individuals of perceived or mentally-fabricated patterns. During human evolution, pattern processing capabilities became increasingly sophisticated as the result of expansion of the cerebral cortex, particularly the prefrontal cortex and regions involved in processing of images. Specific patterns, real or imagined, are reinforced by emotional experiences, indoctrination and even psychedelic drugs. Impaired or dysregulated SPP is fundamental to cognitive and psychiatric disorders. A broader understanding of SPP mechanisms, and their roles in normal and abnormal function of the human brain, may enable the development of interventions that reduce irrational decisions and destructive behaviors.

Keywords: evolution; hippocampus; language disorders; neuronal network; religion and science.

Figure 1

Superior pattern processing (SPP) capabilities of the human brain evolved in association with expansion of the cerebral cortex. A comparison of the gross anatomy of the brains of humans and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) reveals considerable expansion of three regions in humans, the prefrontal cortex, the visual cortex, and the parietal—temporal—occipital juncture (PTO). Examples of SPP capabilities of humans are listed next to the human brain. Examples of pattern processing capabilities of great apes are listed adjacent to the image of the chimpanzee brain. Source of brain images is Wikimedia Commons. Scale bar, 1 cm.

Figure 2

Structural features of the brains of mammals are conserved from rodents to humans. The upper drawings show the hippocampal formation of an adult human, a kitten and a young mouse. The lower two drawings show the cellular organization of the cerebral cortex of an adult human and an adult mouse, both of which exhibit six cell layers. All of the drawings are adapted from Santiago Ramon y Cajal (DeFelipe and Jones, 1988). CA, cornu ammonis; DG, dentate gyrus; SUB, subiculum.

Figure 3

Prominent historical examples of magical thinking, the belief in imaginary agencies, that became commonplace throughout the world, presumably because of its adaptive value for the individual and societies. (A) “Cain Fleeing from the Wrath of God” William Blake, British (1757–1827). The belief that one will be punished by an imagined “God” for immoral acts would be expected to reduce the incidence of such acts. Examples include behaviors that adversely affect monogamous relationships (adultery) or violent acts against other members of a society (murder). (B) “Saint valentine receives a rosary from the virgin” David Teniers III, Flemish, (1600s). The belief in a loving God and “angels” can facilitate cooperation and caring for others.

Figure 4

The progressive deterioration of pattern processing ability in a subject as they progress from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to severe Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this clock drawing task the subject is asked to draw a clock with the hours and showing the time 2:30. When the person has MCI/early AD the numbers for the hours on the clock are drawn in proper order, but during the time it took to draw the clock the subject forgot that he/she had been asked to show the time 2:30. In the case of the patient with late-stage AD, the drawing bears little resemblance to a clock.