Comparative Vertebrate Lateralization

Cambridge University Press
Edition: Illustrated, 3/28/2002
EAN 9780521781619, ISBN10: 0521781612

Hardcover, 672 pages, 25.4 x 17.8 x 3.8 cm
Language: English

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.

'Andrew & Roger perform an enormous service in bringing data from animal behaviour, neuroanatomy and electrophysiology into contact with traditional zoological concerns such as genetics, embryology and population biology.' Journal of Animal Behaviour