Question

According to the theory of evolution, why might we call some parts of the brain the old brain and some parts the new brain?

A) Due to differences in age when these parts develop.
B) Because the old brain evolved earlier in evolutionary history.
C) Because the new brain is responsible for basic functions.
D) Because the old brain is more complex than the new brain.

Answer 1

We refer to some brain parts as the 'old brain' because they evolved earlier in evolutionary history and are associated with basic survival functions, while the 'new brain' evolved later and manages higher levels of cognitive processing.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the theory of evolution, some parts of the brain are referred to as the 'old brain' and others as the 'new brain' due to differences in when these parts evolved. The correct answer to the question is B) Because the old brain evolved earlier in evolutionary history.

The old brain, consisting of structures such as the brainstem and limbic system, emerged first and is involved in basic functions necessary for survival, such as heart rate regulation and fight or flight responses. In contrast, the new brain, especially the neocortex, developed later and is responsible for higher functions like thought, language, and consciousness.