Final answer:
Primates have big brains that facilitate higher intelligence and complex social behaviors. The larger cerebrum supports advanced cognitive functions necessary for their social lifestyle and survival. Evolutionary advantages like extended learning periods and enhanced brain structures like the cerebral cortex contributed to their brain development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Primates, including humans, have big brains that enable higher levels of intelligence and complex social interactions. The cerebrum is considerably larger in primates compared to other mammals, allowing for advanced analytical and motor skills. Primates, being social animals, benefit from these cognitive abilities for interacting within social groups, learning new behaviors, and surviving in varied environments.
The evolutionary history behind the increase in brain size, particularly when comparing humans to our closest relative, the chimpanzee, suggests that the increased brain size may be related to an extended developmental period. This developmental stage allows for greater learning and acquisition of complex behaviors. Furthermore, adaptations like stereoscopic vision and limb dexterity are thought to have co-evolved with larger brains to support an arboreal lifestyle.
The cerebral cortex plays a critical role in these developments, with increased cortical folding providing a greater surface area for neural connections, which is indicative of higher intelligence and complex behaviors. These neuroanatomical features contribute to the impressive cognitive abilities of primates, setting them apart from other vertebrate species.