Fernando Garcia-Moreno
@phylobrain.bsky.social
What came first, Evo or Devo?
Ideas, results, concepts about the evolution of the vertebrate brain and the cerebral cortex. http://phylobrain.org
Ideas, results, concepts about the evolution of the vertebrate brain and the cerebral cortex. http://phylobrain.org
Comparative neuroscience is not about abandoning models.
It is about putting them back into evolutionary context.
That conversation will be central at 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.
𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗯𝗮𝗼 · 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟭𝟱–𝟭𝟳
#CorticalEvolution2026
It is about putting them back into evolutionary context.
That conversation will be central at 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.
𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗯𝗮𝗼 · 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟭𝟱–𝟭𝟳
#CorticalEvolution2026
February 16, 2026 at 10:34 AM
Comparative neuroscience is not about abandoning models.
It is about putting them back into evolutionary context.
That conversation will be central at 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.
𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗯𝗮𝗼 · 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟭𝟱–𝟭𝟳
#CorticalEvolution2026
It is about putting them back into evolutionary context.
That conversation will be central at 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.
𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗯𝗮𝗼 · 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟭𝟱–𝟭𝟳
#CorticalEvolution2026
By focusing mostly on rodents, we risk redefining complexity as noise —
and overlooking developmental constraints, scaling problems, and circuit specializations that only appear in other lineages.
To see principles, we need evolutionary distance.
#CorticalEvolution2026
and overlooking developmental constraints, scaling problems, and circuit specializations that only appear in other lineages.
To see principles, we need evolutionary distance.
#CorticalEvolution2026
an aerial view of a coastline with a large body of water in the background
ALT: an aerial view of a coastline with a large body of water in the background
media.tenor.com
February 16, 2026 at 10:34 AM
By focusing mostly on rodents, we risk redefining complexity as noise —
and overlooking developmental constraints, scaling problems, and circuit specializations that only appear in other lineages.
To see principles, we need evolutionary distance.
#CorticalEvolution2026
and overlooking developmental constraints, scaling problems, and circuit specializations that only appear in other lineages.
To see principles, we need evolutionary distance.
#CorticalEvolution2026
Rodents are extraordinary experimental systems.
But they are not heavy users of the cortex.
Their cortex is small, smooth, and solves a different computational problem than in many other mammals.
Sometimes simplicity hides biology rather than revealing it.
#CorticalEvolution2026
But they are not heavy users of the cortex.
Their cortex is small, smooth, and solves a different computational problem than in many other mammals.
Sometimes simplicity hides biology rather than revealing it.
#CorticalEvolution2026
February 16, 2026 at 10:34 AM
Rodents are extraordinary experimental systems.
But they are not heavy users of the cortex.
Their cortex is small, smooth, and solves a different computational problem than in many other mammals.
Sometimes simplicity hides biology rather than revealing it.
#CorticalEvolution2026
But they are not heavy users of the cortex.
Their cortex is small, smooth, and solves a different computational problem than in many other mammals.
Sometimes simplicity hides biology rather than revealing it.
#CorticalEvolution2026
that's true, more specific 😉
February 12, 2026 at 1:24 PM
that's true, more specific 😉
Cortical evolution is hard because it sits at the intersection of:
developmental biology
systems neuroscience
genomics
comparative anatomy
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 #𝗖𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀
Come join our conference! Bilbao, June 15-17 2026
developmental biology
systems neuroscience
genomics
comparative anatomy
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 #𝗖𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀
Come join our conference! Bilbao, June 15-17 2026
February 12, 2026 at 10:44 AM
Cortical evolution is hard because it sits at the intersection of:
developmental biology
systems neuroscience
genomics
comparative anatomy
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 #𝗖𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀
Come join our conference! Bilbao, June 15-17 2026
developmental biology
systems neuroscience
genomics
comparative anatomy
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 #𝗖𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀
Come join our conference! Bilbao, June 15-17 2026
Third, 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀.
Much of what we call “fundamental” may simply reflect rodent biology.
Comparative neurobiology forces us to re-evaluate what is truly conserved, 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭.
#CorticalEvolution2026
Much of what we call “fundamental” may simply reflect rodent biology.
Comparative neurobiology forces us to re-evaluate what is truly conserved, 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭.
#CorticalEvolution2026
a hamster is standing on its hind legs and looking at the camera .
ALT: a hamster is standing on its hind legs and looking at the camera .
media.tenor.com
February 12, 2026 at 10:44 AM
Third, 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀.
Much of what we call “fundamental” may simply reflect rodent biology.
Comparative neurobiology forces us to re-evaluate what is truly conserved, 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭.
#CorticalEvolution2026
Much of what we call “fundamental” may simply reflect rodent biology.
Comparative neurobiology forces us to re-evaluate what is truly conserved, 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭.
#CorticalEvolution2026
Second, ᴅᴇᴠᴇʟᴏᴘᴍᴇɴᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇᴠᴏʟᴜᴛɪᴏɴ ᴀʀᴇ ɪɴꜱᴇᴘᴀʀᴀʙʟᴇ ⛓️.
Small changes in progenitor behavior, timing, or lineage relationships can scale into large architectural differences.
The difficulty is linking molecular changes to macroscopic structure.
Small changes in progenitor behavior, timing, or lineage relationships can scale into large architectural differences.
The difficulty is linking molecular changes to macroscopic structure.
February 12, 2026 at 10:44 AM
Second, ᴅᴇᴠᴇʟᴏᴘᴍᴇɴᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇᴠᴏʟᴜᴛɪᴏɴ ᴀʀᴇ ɪɴꜱᴇᴘᴀʀᴀʙʟᴇ ⛓️.
Small changes in progenitor behavior, timing, or lineage relationships can scale into large architectural differences.
The difficulty is linking molecular changes to macroscopic structure.
Small changes in progenitor behavior, timing, or lineage relationships can scale into large architectural differences.
The difficulty is linking molecular changes to macroscopic structure.
First, the cortex changes along multiple axes at once:
size, folding, cell-type diversity, connectivity, developmental timing.
𝙉𝙤 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨.
Expansion alone is not the answer.
#CorticalEvolution2026
size, folding, cell-type diversity, connectivity, developmental timing.
𝙉𝙤 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨.
Expansion alone is not the answer.
#CorticalEvolution2026
February 12, 2026 at 10:44 AM
First, the cortex changes along multiple axes at once:
size, folding, cell-type diversity, connectivity, developmental timing.
𝙉𝙤 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨.
Expansion alone is not the answer.
#CorticalEvolution2026
size, folding, cell-type diversity, connectivity, developmental timing.
𝙉𝙤 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨.
Expansion alone is not the answer.
#CorticalEvolution2026
Ready to see the big picture of how the vertebrate brain balances stability with change? 📖 Check out the full chapter in Evolution of Nervous Systems here :https://shop.elsevier.com/books/evolution-of-nervous-systems/kaas/978-0-443-27380-3
February 11, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Ready to see the big picture of how the vertebrate brain balances stability with change? 📖 Check out the full chapter in Evolution of Nervous Systems here :https://shop.elsevier.com/books/evolution-of-nervous-systems/kaas/978-0-443-27380-3
This deep dive was a huge team effort! ✍️ Huge congrats to co-authors: Sᴀʀᴀ Jɪᴍéɴᴇᴢ and Tᴀᴛɪᴀɴᴀ Gᴀʟʟᴇɢᴏ-Fʟᴏʀᴇꜱ
@AchucarroGlia
👏👏
@AchucarroGlia
👏👏
a drawing of a lizard with green spots on its body
ALT: a drawing of a lizard with green spots on its body
media.tenor.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:01 PM
This deep dive was a huge team effort! ✍️ Huge congrats to co-authors: Sᴀʀᴀ Jɪᴍéɴᴇᴢ and Tᴀᴛɪᴀɴᴀ Gᴀʟʟᴇɢᴏ-Fʟᴏʀᴇꜱ
@AchucarroGlia
👏👏
@AchucarroGlia
👏👏
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟯𝟬𝟬 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗼? 🕵️♂️ Molecular detective work! We discuss the use of scRNA-seq (reading single-cell genetic diaries) to see how similar neurons hide under different disguises across species. 🧬🔬
February 11, 2026 at 2:01 PM
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟯𝟬𝟬 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗼? 🕵️♂️ Molecular detective work! We discuss the use of scRNA-seq (reading single-cell genetic diaries) to see how similar neurons hide under different disguises across species. 🧬🔬
But it’s not just the tectum! We explore how the 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺𝘂𝘀 and 𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘂𝗺 (the precursor to the cortex) talk to each other. Even in "simpler" brains, these connections are incredibly sophisticated, proving that complex vision isn't just a mammal thing. 🧠🔗
February 11, 2026 at 2:01 PM
But it’s not just the tectum! We explore how the 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺𝘂𝘀 and 𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘂𝗺 (the precursor to the cortex) talk to each other. Even in "simpler" brains, these connections are incredibly sophisticated, proving that complex vision isn't just a mammal thing. 🧠🔗
The 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗺 is the star of the show for many vertebrates. 🌟 In reptiles and birds, it’s a complex, layered processing hub. We break down the developmental mechanisms that build this structure and why it's so vital for survival in the wild. 🐍🦅
February 11, 2026 at 2:01 PM
The 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗺 is the star of the show for many vertebrates. 🌟 In reptiles and birds, it’s a complex, layered processing hub. We break down the developmental mechanisms that build this structure and why it's so vital for survival in the wild. 🐍🦅
Evolution loves a good remix. While the core visual territories are the same, different animals prioritize different visual routes. Mammals went all-in on the lemnothalamic route for high-def detail, while reptiles and birds doubled down on the collothalamic pathway for speed. ⚡️
February 11, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Evolution loves a good remix. While the core visual territories are the same, different animals prioritize different visual routes. Mammals went all-in on the lemnothalamic route for high-def detail, while reptiles and birds doubled down on the collothalamic pathway for speed. ⚡️
Ever heard of the 𝙥𝙝𝙮𝙡𝙤𝙩𝙮𝙥𝙞𝙘 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣? 🧬 Basically, all vertebrates start with a shared embryonic blueprint that hasn’t changed in millions of years. We look at how early-born neurons act as the "foundational crew" before species-specific features even show up. 🏗️🧱
February 11, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Ever heard of the 𝙥𝙝𝙮𝙡𝙤𝙩𝙮𝙥𝙞𝙘 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣? 🧬 Basically, all vertebrates start with a shared embryonic blueprint that hasn’t changed in millions of years. We look at how early-born neurons act as the "foundational crew" before species-specific features even show up. 🏗️🧱
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗯𝗮𝗼.
To bring together evolutionary, developmental and systems perspectives and to rethink where the field is going next.
June 15–17, 2026 Spain
#CorticalEvolution2026
To bring together evolutionary, developmental and systems perspectives and to rethink where the field is going next.
June 15–17, 2026 Spain
#CorticalEvolution2026
February 9, 2026 at 9:26 AM
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗯𝗮𝗼.
To bring together evolutionary, developmental and systems perspectives and to rethink where the field is going next.
June 15–17, 2026 Spain
#CorticalEvolution2026
To bring together evolutionary, developmental and systems perspectives and to rethink where the field is going next.
June 15–17, 2026 Spain
#CorticalEvolution2026
Importantly, cortical evolution is not just about the past.
Many vulnerabilities of the human brain, from developmental disorders to psychiatric disease, may be inseparable from the evolutionary trajectories that shaped cortical expansion and complexity.
Many vulnerabilities of the human brain, from developmental disorders to psychiatric disease, may be inseparable from the evolutionary trajectories that shaped cortical expansion and complexity.
February 9, 2026 at 9:26 AM
Importantly, cortical evolution is not just about the past.
Many vulnerabilities of the human brain, from developmental disorders to psychiatric disease, may be inseparable from the evolutionary trajectories that shaped cortical expansion and complexity.
Many vulnerabilities of the human brain, from developmental disorders to psychiatric disease, may be inseparable from the evolutionary trajectories that shaped cortical expansion and complexity.
𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻.
Only by comparing species can we distinguish what is conserved from what is derived, what is fundamental from what is contingent, and which features come with hidden costs.
#CorticalEvolution2026
Only by comparing species can we distinguish what is conserved from what is derived, what is fundamental from what is contingent, and which features come with hidden costs.
#CorticalEvolution2026
February 9, 2026 at 9:26 AM
𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻.
Only by comparing species can we distinguish what is conserved from what is derived, what is fundamental from what is contingent, and which features come with hidden costs.
#CorticalEvolution2026
Only by comparing species can we distinguish what is conserved from what is derived, what is fundamental from what is contingent, and which features come with hidden costs.
#CorticalEvolution2026
We now describe the cortex in extraordinary detail:
cell types, layers, gene expression, developmental programs.
Yet description alone doesn’t explain why the cortex is built the way it is — or why evolution took such different paths in different lineages.
#CorticalEvolution2026
cell types, layers, gene expression, developmental programs.
Yet description alone doesn’t explain why the cortex is built the way it is — or why evolution took such different paths in different lineages.
#CorticalEvolution2026
February 9, 2026 at 9:26 AM
We now describe the cortex in extraordinary detail:
cell types, layers, gene expression, developmental programs.
Yet description alone doesn’t explain why the cortex is built the way it is — or why evolution took such different paths in different lineages.
#CorticalEvolution2026
cell types, layers, gene expression, developmental programs.
Yet description alone doesn’t explain why the cortex is built the way it is — or why evolution took such different paths in different lineages.
#CorticalEvolution2026
Many thanks Feline!! Great you liked it!
I am convinced the same principles apply to other vertebrate species but have no data to support it. Indeed, the rules might be easier to detect, in species with a far smaller cortex
I am convinced the same principles apply to other vertebrate species but have no data to support it. Indeed, the rules might be easier to detect, in species with a far smaller cortex
January 30, 2026 at 3:29 PM
Many thanks Feline!! Great you liked it!
I am convinced the same principles apply to other vertebrate species but have no data to support it. Indeed, the rules might be easier to detect, in species with a far smaller cortex
I am convinced the same principles apply to other vertebrate species but have no data to support it. Indeed, the rules might be easier to detect, in species with a far smaller cortex
Thanks man, I do love receiving this GIF
January 30, 2026 at 3:28 PM
Thanks man, I do love receiving this GIF