Final answer:
The expansion of the insular and cingulate cortices in cetaceans is consistent with high-level cognitive functions like complex social behaviors, memory, and perception.
Step-by-step explanation:
The expansion of the insular and cingulate cortices in cetaceans correlates with high-level cognitive functions such as complex social behaviors, memory, and conscious perception. Cetaceans, which include whales and dolphins, have large brains with increased cortical folding, indicating a higher capacity for these cognitive functions. The cerebral cortex, being highly involved in various mental processes, showcases the intricate relationship between brain structure and animal intelligence in cetaceans.