Genomic data can illuminate the architecture and evolution of cognitive abilities

Abstract

AbstractDoes general intelligence exist across species, and has it been a target of natural selection? These questions can be addressed with genomic data, which can rule out artifacts by demonstrating that distinct cognitive abilities are genetically correlated and thus share a biological substrate. This work has begun with data from humans and can be extended to other species; it should focus not only on general intelligence but also specific capacities like language and spatial ability.