Final answer:
The discovery of mirror neurons was significant because they play a key role in mimicry and imitation, which are seen as foundational for the development of complex language and may also be linked to human morality and ethical thinking.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discovery of mirror neurons in the ventral premotor area caused excitement because these neurons are thought to be crucial for the human capacity to imitate actions, which is a foundational element of language development. Mirror neurons were first identified in primates and are believed to allow for the recognition and replication of actions seen in others, a core aspect of learning. Neurological studies, although too invasive to be performed on humans directly, have been complemented by neuroimaging techniques that suggest a similar system exists in the human brain, close to Broca's area, which is integral to speech production.
This connection has provided a possible explanation for the evolution of complex language and culture, suggesting that our ability to communicate through language could have stemmed from a system of gestures that evolved into vocalizations. Additionally, the role of mirror neurons in ethical thinking and the sense of morality that is seen in primates indicates that these neurons have far-reaching implications for understanding human behavior and cognition.