Evolutionary and developmental trends in vertebrate neural systems

This comparative approach in neurosciences offers important advantages and provides a suitable, sometimes surprising and unorthodox frame of mind for the interpretation of new findings. The articles covered in this publication are based upon the research work by renowned invited speakers of a professional workshop. The papers provide a comprehensive insight into current issues of brain organization and function in vertebrates across the board. The five main topics include: sensory systems, central pattern generators, calcium-binding proteins, basal ganglia and the development of the cerebral cortex. Questions ranging from brainstem to cerebral cortex, and from anurans to humans are discussed. The publication presents useful and up-to-date analysis of functional systems, such as prey-catching behavior, breeding and mating strategies, efferent innervation of cochlear hair cells and vestibulo-ocular reflexes. This special topical issue is a valuable source of information for all brain researchers, as well as students dealing with neuroscience, because a better understanding of the ontogeny and phylogeny of any brain region or functional system is essential for an in-depth analysis of experimental results.