Same Gene Linked to Bigger Brains of Dolphins and Primates

Dolphins and other cetaceans are considered some of the smartest animals, rivaling our closest primate relatives. It is also well known that brain size says a lot about intelligence. One scientist,  Shixia Xu from Nanjing Normal University, has discovered that changes in a specific gene may have led to the evolution of increased brain size in both cetaceans and primates. The gene, called ASPM, has even been associated with the evolution of larger human brains.



Other than ASPM, there are six genes in primates that are associated with brain size. Initially one of them, MCPH1, was analyzed to see if it was associated with brain size in cetaceans. The results were negative. Shixia Xu then decided to test ASPM and the results were promising. Xu found two instances where ASPM mutated and was passed on into the population. Scientists have yet to determine exactly what led to these favorable changes.

It will be interesting to see what else is discovered as scientists continue to research this topic. They may determine what environmental or social factors led to the mutation of ASPM. It would also be nice to know the different paths that ASPM took within cetaceans and primates.