What is the Difference Between Human Brain and Animal Brain?

The human brain and animal brain differ in several aspects, including size, cognitive abilities, and structure. Some of the key differences are:

1. Size: The human brain is considerably larger than most animal brains, with an average weight of three pounds, which is enormous for an animal of our body size. In comparison, chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, have brains that are one-third the size of human brains.
2. Association Cortex: Most of the brain-size difference between humans and animals reflects the evolutionary expansion of the association cortex, a group of regions that support sophisticated cognitive functions such as language, self-awareness, and problem-solving. The human association cortex has more neurons and greater connections between brain regions involved in functions like language, tool making, reasoning, and social cognition.
3. Brain-to-Body Mass Ratio: The human brain is two- to threefold larger than expected for a mammal of our body size. This large brain-to-body mass ratio is a significant factor in the human cognitive advantage over other animals.
4. Smell: The olfactory bulb of humans is smaller compared to animals.
5. Genetic Differences: Although humans share more than 90% of their DNA with our closest relatives, including chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas, there are unique genetic signatures in the human brain that contribute to its advanced cognitive abilities.
6. Neuroplasticity: Human brains have been found to be more plastic than those of chimpanzees, our closest ancestors. This neuroplasticity allows for greater adaptability and may have contributed to the development of higher-order cognitive functions.

In summary, the human brain is distinct from animal brains in terms of size, cognitive abilities, and structure. These differences have allowed humans to develop complex language, self-awareness, and problem-solving skills that set us apart from other animals.

Comparative Table: Human Brain vs Animal Brain

The human brain and animal brain have several differences and similarities. Here is a table summarizing the key differences and similarities between human and animal brains:

Similarities between human and animal brains include:

• Both are part of the central nervous system.
• Both are made up of neurons and neuroglia.
• Their main function is to control thoughts and body movement.
• The brain of all vertebrate animals is divided into forebrain, midbrain, cerebellum, hind brain, medulla oblongata, and pons.