Comparative Vertebrate Lateralization

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

Overview

This book takes a comparative and integrative approach to lateralization in a wide range of vertebrate species, including humans, and highlights model systems that have proved invaluable in elucidating the function, causes, development, and evolution of lateralization. The volume is arranged in four parts, beginning with the evolution of lateralization, moving to its development, cognitive dimensions, and finally its role in memory. Experts in lateralization in lower vertebrates, birds, nonprimate mammals, and primates have contributed chapters in which they discuss their own research and consider its implications to humans.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521781619
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/25/2002
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	672
Product dimensions:	7.17(w) x 10.08(h) x 1.81(d)

About the Author

Lesley J. Rogers is Emeritus Professor at the Centre for Neuroscience and Animal Behaviour, University of New England, Armidale, Australia. A Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, she has made outstanding contributions to understanding brain development and behaviour, including the discovery of lateralization in the chick forebrain at a time when lateralization was thought to be unique to humans. Her publications, numbering over 450, include 16 books and over 200 scientific papers and book chapters, mainly in the field of brain and behaviour with a focus on development and lateralization. She has received a number of awards for excellence in research, including a Special Investigator Award from the Australian Research Council, an Australian Centenary Medal, and the Clarke Medal from the Royal Society of New South Wales.

Table of Contents

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.

Editorial Reviews

Rogers (neuroscience and animal behavior, U. of New England, Australia) and Andrew (emeritus, animal behavior, U. of Sussex, UK) present an overview of research investigating how different sides of the brain effect cognitive choice, behavior, and perception in a wide range of vertebrate animals. The evolution of lateralization and its possible advantages to individuals and populations are discussed. Contributors discuss development of lateralization and how shifts in which hemisphere is in control at different stages determine transitions in behavior. Finally, contributors examine issues of cognition and lateralization, as well as the lateralization of the biological and behavioral memory processes. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

"This excellent book celebrates Richard J. Andrew's important contributions to the study of lateralization by considering recent research exploring functional brain asymmetries in a range of vertebrate species. Upper division undergraduates through faculty" Choice

"This volume bears witness to a groundswell of interest in brain laterality and its implications for the study of the mind. Andrew & Rogers 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." Animal Behaviour

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