Comparative Vertebrate Lateralization

Compares brain lateralization among lower vertebrates, birds, nonprimate mammals and primates, including humans.

Lesley J. Rogers (Edited by), Richard Andrew (Edited by)

9780521787000, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 18 July 2008

672 pages, 70 b/w illus. 20 tables
22.8 x 14.8 x 1.8 cm, 0.3 kg

'Whatever the outcome of the war, this book will be a key starting point for those trying to understand it (or perhaps to fight in it).' Annals of Human Biology

No longer viewed as a characteristic unique to humans, brain lateralization is considered a key property of most, if not all, vertebrates. This field of study provides a firm basis from which to examine a number of important issues in the study of brain and behaviour. This book takes a comparative and integrative approach to lateralization in a wide range of vertebrate species, including humans. It highlights model systems that have proved invaluable in elucidating the function, causes, development, and evolution of lateralization. The book is arranged in four parts, beginning with the evolution of lateralization, moving to its development, to its cognitive dimensions, and finally to its role in memory. Experts in lateralization in lower vertebrates, birds, non-primate mammals, and primates have contributed chapters in which they discuss their own research and consider its implications to humans. The book is suitable for researchers, graduates and advanced undergraduates in psychology, neuroscience and the behavioral sciences.

Preface
Introduction
Part I. Evolution of Lateralization: 1. How ancient is lateralization? G. Vallortigara and A. Bisazza
2. The earliest origins and subsequent evolution of lateralization R. J. Andrew
3. The nature of lateralization in tetrapods R. J. Andrew and L. J. Rogers
4. Advantages and disadvantages of lateralization L. J. Rogers
Part II. Development of Lateralization: 5. Behavioral development and lateralization R. J. Andrew
6. Factors affecting the development of lateralization in chicks C. Deng and L. J. Rogers
7. Ontogony of visual lateralization in pigeons O. Güntürkün
8. Development of laterality and the role of the corpus callosum in rodents and humans P. E. Cowell and V. H. Denenberg
9. Posture and laterality in human and nonhuman primates: asymmetries in maternal handling and the infant's early motor asymmetries E. Damerose and J. Vauclair
Part III. Cognition and Lateralization: 10. Evidence of cerebral lateralization from senses other than vision R. J. Andrew and J. A. S. Watkins
11. Facing an obstacle: lateralization of object and spatial cognition G. Vallortigara and L. Regolin
12. Laterality of communicative behaviors in nonhuman primates: a critical analysis W. D. Hopkins and S. F. Carriba
13. Specialized processing of primate facial and vocal expressions: evidence for cerebral asymmetries D. J. Weiss, A. A. Ghazanfar, C. T. Miller and M. D. Hauser
Part IV. Lateralization and Memory: 14. Memory and lateralized recall A. N. B. Johnston and S. P. R. Rose
15. Memory formation and brain lateralization R. J. Andrew
Epilogue
Appendix
Index.

Subject Areas: Animal behaviour [PSVP], Zoology & animal sciences [PSV], Neurosciences [PSAN], Cognition & cognitive psychology [JMR]