Final answer:
Humans and sheep have a cerebral cortex, but humans possess a more highly convoluted cortex with increased folding, reflecting greater cognitive functions. The longitudinal fissure and corpus callosum are also more pronounced in humans, supporting sophisticated neural integration for complex behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing the external cerebrum of a sheep to that of a human, several similarities and differences can be noted. Both humans and sheep, as mammals, possess a cerebral cortex that covers the cerebrum, but the complexity and the number of folds, or gyri and sulci, vary significantly between the two species.
In humans, the cerebral cortex is highly convoluted with numerous folds, which greatly increase the surface area, a feature that is associated with advanced mental abilities and complex behaviors. Humans have one of the most folded cortices among mammals. This intricate folding allows for a higher density of neurons, thus supporting greater cognitive functions and intelligence. The sheep's cerebrum also has gyri and sulci, but they are not as pronounced as in humans, indicating that while sheep do have complex brain functions, they may not be as advanced as those found in humans.
Additionally, the human cerebrum is characterized by a prominent longitudinal fissure that separates it into two hemispheres and the presence of a well-developed corpus callosum that facilitates communication between these hemispheres. While sheep also have these features, the overall structure and level of development of these aspects of the cerebrum in humans are more sophisticated, reflecting the more complex neural integration necessary for the wide range of human cognitive abilities.