Bigger-brained species evolve longer childhoods to permit learning

Evidence

Species with bigger brains have higher rates of behavioral innovation and do more social learning. Because bigger brains are costly to develop and program, this approach also explains why bigger-brained species tend to have extended childhoods (juvenile periods) and longer lives. — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success, 957

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Brain expansion via longer lifespans makes species extinction-prone — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success: How Culture…, 977; Females pair-bond with males partly for their locally inherited knowledge — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success: How Culture…, 982; Cultural learning machinery must activate early in development — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success: How Culture…, 187 (+3 more)

Broader Connections

• Human evolution selected for learnability and behavioral malleability, not fixedness #corroborates (0.80)
• Intensive learning physically rewires brain structure and perceptual habits. #expands (0.72)