IIRC the slow loss of neurons is more than balanced by the additional fine-tuning - unless you get dementia, if course.
replyLoss of neurons isn't disastrous as long as it's not too many. Babies are born with several times more neurons than children have, and spend a few months letting all the useless ones die. Apparently it's better to start with a random tangle and prune it to shape (like cutting a box hedge) than to make a hedge grow in a box shape to begin with.
And IIRC brains can grow more neurons under some circumstances (certain drugs?) - they just normally don't.
"While questions remain regarding the precise extent, rate, and functional relevance of adult neurogenesis in the human brain, as well as important methodological considerations, multiple independent approaches now converge in support of its persistence throughout adulthood."
replyhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S193459092...
I’m pretty sure that’s been debunked and they normally do.
replythe claim isn't complete, either. Recent research has demonstrated adult neurogenesis (growth of new cells that originate from neural stem cells).
replyWhy is it absurd to say that the human brain could be better? That seems obviously true to me.
reply