In his latest book, Bainbridge combines an otherworldly journey through the central nervous system with an accessible and entertaining account of how the brain's anatomy has often misled anatomists about its function. Bainbridge uses the structure of the brain to set his book apart from the many volumes that focus on brain function.

The major goal of developmental neurobiology is to understand how the nervous system is put together. A central theme that has emerged from research in this field over the last several decades is the crucial role of trophic interactions in neural assembly, and indeed throughout an animal's life. Trophic--which means nutritive--refers to long-term interdependencies between nerve cells and the cells they innervate. The theory of trophic effects presented in this book offers an explanation of how the vertebrate nervous system is related to--and regulated by--the body it serves. The theory rationalizes the nervous system's accommodation, throughout life, to the changing size and form of the body it tenants, indicating the way connections between nerve cells change in response to stimuli as diverse as growth, injury, experience, and natural selection. Dale Purves, a leading neurobiologist best known for his work on the formation and maintenance of synaptic connections, presents this theory within the historical setting of earlier ideas about neural organization--from Weiss's theory of functional reorganization to the chemoaffinity theory championed by Sperry. In addition to illuminating eighty years of work on trophic interactions, this book asks its own compelling questions: Are trophic interactions characteristic of all animals or only of those with complex nervous systems? Are trophic interactions related to learning? What does the trophic theory of neural connections imply about the currently fashionable view that the nervous system operates according to Darwinian principles? Purves lays the theoretical foundation for practical exploration of trophic interactions as they apply to neural connections, a pursuit that will help us understand how our own nervous systems generate change. The ideas in this book not only enrich neurobiology but also convey the profound relevance of neuroscience to other fields of life science.

Exhaustively researched and years in the making, this innovative book documents how the many components of the head function, how they evolved since we diverged from the apes, and how they interact in diverse ways both functionally and developmentally, causing them to be highly integrated. This integration not only permits the head's many units to accommodate each other as they grow and work, but also facilitates evolutionary change. Lieberman shows how, when, and why the major transformations evident in the evolution of the human head occurred. The special way the head is integrated, Lieberman argues, made it possible for a few developmental shifts to have had widespread effects on craniofacial growth, yet still permit the head to function exquisitely. --

Humans possess the most expressive faces in the animal kingdom. Adam Wilkins presents evidence ranging from the fossil record to recent findings of genetics, molecular biology, and developmental biology to reconstruct the fascinating story of how the human face evolved. Beginning with the first vertebrate faces half a billion years ago and continuing to dramatic changes among our recent human ancestors, Making Faces illuminates how the unusual characteristics of the human face came about—both the physical shape of facial features and the critical role facial expression plays in human society. Offering more than an account of morphological changes over time and space, which rely on findings from paleontology and anthropology, Wilkins also draws on comparative studies of living nonhuman species. He examines the genetic foundations of the remarkable diversity in human faces, and also shows how the evolution of the face was intimately connected to the evolution of the brain. Brain structures capable of recognizing different individuals as well as “reading” and reacting to their facial expressions led to complex social exchanges. Furthermore, the neural and muscular mechanisms that created facial expressions also allowed the development of speech, which is unique to humans. In demonstrating how the physical evolution of the human face has been inextricably intertwined with our species’ growing social complexity, Wilkins argues that it was both the product and enabler of human sociality.

A lavishly illustrated compendium of the art and history of animal anatomy from antiquity to today For more than two thousand years, comparative anatomy—the study of anatomical variation among different animal species—has been used to make arguments in natural philosophy, reinforce religious dogma, and remind us of our own mortality. This stunningly illustrated compendium traces the intertwined intellectual and artistic histories of comparative anatomy from antiquity to today. Stripped Bare brings together some of the most arresting images ever produced, from the earliest studies of animal form to the technicolor art of computer-generated anatomies. David Bainbridge draws on representative illustrations from different eras to discuss the philosophical, scientific, and artistic milieus from which they emerged. He vividly describes the unique aesthetics of each phase of anatomical endeavor, providing new insights into the exquisite anatomical drawings of Leonardo and Albrecht Dürer in the era before printing, Jean Héroard’s cutting and cataloging of the horse during the age of Louis XIII, the exotic pictorial menageries of the Comte de Buffon in the eighteenth century, anatomical illustrations from Charles Darwin’s voyages, the lavish symmetries of Ernst Haeckel’s prints, and much, much more. Featuring a wealth of breathtaking color illustrations throughout, Stripped Bare is a panoramic tour of the intricacies of vertebrate life as well as an expansive history of the peculiar and beautiful ways humans have attempted to study and understand the natural world.

This book presents the five I's: information, images, interaction, inquiry, and innovation, and how they relate to developing students' critical and creative thinking skills. It provides step-by-step procedures for teaching 12 key thinking skills and shares lesson examples from teachers.

During the second decade of human life, the body and brain undergo a profound and complex transformation, with emotions and intellect changing as rapidly and unpredictably as weight and height. These changes can be baffling - to teenagers and to those around them alike - but adolescence plays an important evolutionary role in who we become as adults and there are hard scientific facts behind the spots, the smells and the sexual experimentation, as well as the existential angst, the anger and the irresistible attraction to all the things that are bad for you. In clear, engaging and amiable prose, David Bainbridge explains the strange and wonderful science of the teenage years. And tells us just exactly what teenagers are for.

In his latest book, Allen Nauss offers a unique and revealing explanation of the role of God's Spirit in the neurological functioning of the brain of a Christian. The explanation is based on recent brain research findings and pertinent passages from the Bible. The Christian's spiritual brain proves to be a formidable asset in one's everyday life. It is the cornerstone for the Christian virtues and character strengths making up the image that God created in Adam and Eve. Christians will also find distinct practical help in dealing with challenges in four areas of human relationship--living with God, living with oneself, living with other individuals, and living with groups in the church and community. Have you ever noticed how giving yourself to Jesus as your Savior and to the Holy Spirit as your guide in this life has freed you from being absolutely controlled by the negative desires coming from your heart and mind and has freed you for the goals in the Bible that God would have you pursue? Have you ever wondered how you may live still more fully with God and worship Him? how you may live still more comfortably with yourself? how you may live still more completely with others and serve them? how you may serve and lead still more effectively groups in your church or community?

This book introduces students to basic concepts in evolutionary developmental biology, for undergraduate and graduate courses.

Psychology 2ed will support you to develop the skills and knowledge needed for your career in psychology and within the professional discipline of psychology. This book will be an invaluable study resource during your introductory psychology course and it will be a helpful reference throughout your studies and your future career in psychology. Psychology 2ed provides you with local ideas and examples within the context of psychology as an international discipline. Rich cultural and indigenous coverage is integrated throughout the book to help your understanding. To support your learning online study tools with revision quizzes, games and additional content have been developed with this book.