Auditory Cortical Evolution

Humans have developed an advanced method of communication, speech. This project aims to understand the basic anatomical, physiological, and molecular changes that have occurred in the auditory system across a range of species in order to better understand the unique features of the human auditory system that underlay speech perception. The initial aim of the project will center around the organization of the auditory cortex of mice, bats, guinea pigs, ferrets, cats, macaques and humans.