Talk:Neuroplasticity

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[edit] Arguments for strong neuroplasticity

Climate is and has always been variable. That favours flexibility. This explains the existence of epigenetics[1]. Epigenetics debunks claims that twin studies somehow disproves full adaptability. While epigenetics usually only can change regulation of gene activity and not the DNA itself, mammalian brain neurons can indeed change their very DNA, the process being especially efficient in humans [2][3]. That means that even gene/behavior correlation studies cannot disprove full adaptability.

There is evidence for recoveries after brain damage that computationalist psychology cannot explain. Such successful recoveries are linked to tolerant, flexible environments. Faliure of such is linked to rigid curriculums[4]. This implies that "learning windows" are cultural constructs and not biologically fixed.

Adaptive evolution in specific traits can go extremely fast[5] and humans are no exception[6]. This means that all theories about limitations to neuroplasticity predicts innate behavioral differences between ethnicities. That prediction does not seem to pan out [7]. The most likely explanation of why there is no evidence of innate ethnic differences in behavior is that environments without sociological racist discrimination tend to be fairly tolerant and flexible, allowing the fullness of neuroplasticity to flourish.

The fact that no nonhuman animals are at or even near that level of neuroplasticity can be explained by an epigenetic feedback loop towards greater neuroplasticity, the more plastic the brain already was the better it was at further improving its own plasticity [8].


  1. By selection for flexibility causing Darwinian evolution to select for the ability of Lamarckian inheritance
  2. Aneuploid neurons are functionally active and integrated into brain circuitry
  3. How many genomes do you have?
  4. Mind, Brain and Education
  5. As examplified by caterpillars in polluted cities evolving darker camouflage
  6. Tibetans have evolved much more efficient lung and hemoglobin in just 3000 years
  7. Studies show that "racial" differences in behavior can be explained by educational discrimination, and the prediction of thrifty, time-saving cuts of linguistic generality is blatantly debunked by the fact that people of any ethnic descent can learn other languages
  8. There is fossil evidence that brain evolution have accelerated

As none of those ref-tags are actual references, yet this makes some strong claims ("there is evidence for..." "studies show...") I've cut this here. Scarlet A.pngd hominem 14:07, 28 June 2012 (UTC)

[edit] Recoveries

The evidence for extreme recoveries after brain damage is explained in the article "Brain" on topic page "Psychology" on http://purescience.wikia.com although research on the ecological paradox have now made the human exceptionalism part obsolete Martin J Sallberg— Unsigned, by: 109.58.99.190 / talk / contribs

Go spam your insights somewhere else, please.--ZooGuard (talk) 14:32, 10 February 2013 (UTC)
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