Jevin
Chameleon Enthusiast
While not directly related to chams, what lead me to this choice startled with chameleons, humans and evolution. I've always wondered how the chameleon, something that is quite unique in some regards to the realm of reptiles, evolved similar to how humans evolved from apes.
While the two species are vastly different, I have a hunch it has to do with an aspect of neuroscience. This is due to the thought that while evolution does explain speciation to an extent, it tends to fall short in explaining how certain highly specialized species, namely humans and chameleons, evolved. Humans in particular have multiple characteristics that are generally considered to put us at a deficit in regards to survival.
My idea is that we know very little about the capabilities of the brains of various species, including our own, and the effect that they have had on a species evolution. The nervous system has after all evolved over millions of years, to multiple forms and is responsible for a large amount of the bodies functions. I've always found it interesting how some animals, like reptiles, are able to be born and know how to use their bodies perfectly from birth. In contrast, humans are relatively useless at birth and flying birds also go through a stage of learning to fly so to speak. As I've learned more about genetics and evolution, it would seem that some behaviours may be encoded within DNA to an extent, while others are learned. I'm in the early stages of learning about this stuff, however I have had encouragement from professors who have specialized into areas related to this.
I'm basically looking for help in expanding my knowledge in neuroscience. In particular newer research as I plan on doing a Masters focused on aspects of the human nervous system. I read recently that they have found some interesting new information about fruit fly brains that could relate to humans, but also help us understand more about the nervous system. If anyone has leads to help me learn more, I'd be happy to receive them.
On a side note, the older I get, the less I find conscious thought to be something that is unique to humans, although conscious thought as it is usually described is something that is described from a human perspective. I have started to believe that conscious thought is something that may be present in all forms of life with a nervous system, but is not how we, as humans, typically think is conscious thought.
While the two species are vastly different, I have a hunch it has to do with an aspect of neuroscience. This is due to the thought that while evolution does explain speciation to an extent, it tends to fall short in explaining how certain highly specialized species, namely humans and chameleons, evolved. Humans in particular have multiple characteristics that are generally considered to put us at a deficit in regards to survival.
My idea is that we know very little about the capabilities of the brains of various species, including our own, and the effect that they have had on a species evolution. The nervous system has after all evolved over millions of years, to multiple forms and is responsible for a large amount of the bodies functions. I've always found it interesting how some animals, like reptiles, are able to be born and know how to use their bodies perfectly from birth. In contrast, humans are relatively useless at birth and flying birds also go through a stage of learning to fly so to speak. As I've learned more about genetics and evolution, it would seem that some behaviours may be encoded within DNA to an extent, while others are learned. I'm in the early stages of learning about this stuff, however I have had encouragement from professors who have specialized into areas related to this.
I'm basically looking for help in expanding my knowledge in neuroscience. In particular newer research as I plan on doing a Masters focused on aspects of the human nervous system. I read recently that they have found some interesting new information about fruit fly brains that could relate to humans, but also help us understand more about the nervous system. If anyone has leads to help me learn more, I'd be happy to receive them.
On a side note, the older I get, the less I find conscious thought to be something that is unique to humans, although conscious thought as it is usually described is something that is described from a human perspective. I have started to believe that conscious thought is something that may be present in all forms of life with a nervous system, but is not how we, as humans, typically think is conscious thought.