#A matter of size screenit driver#

Variation in relative brain size among adult mammals is produced by different patterns of brain and body growth across ontogeny. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that primates deviate from other mammals in exhibiting increased cross-cortical connectivity. We found that primates possess disproportionately more upper layer neurons as well as an expansion of anterior to posterior corticocortical tracts compared with other mammals. We also used MR tractography based on high-angular resolution diffusion imaging and diffusion spectrum imaging to compare anterior to posterior corticocortical tracts between primates and other mammals. To identify evolutionary changes in connectivity patterns, we quantified upper (i.e., layers II-IV) and lower (i.e., layers V-VI) layer neuron numbers in primates and other mammals such as rodents and carnivores. Upper layer neurons (i.e., layers II-IV) project within and across cortical areas whereas many lower layer pyramidal neurons (i.e., layers V-VI) favor connections to subcortical regions. Across the depth of the isocortex, neurons exhibit stereotypical patterns of projections. Yet, little is known about what the expansion of the isocortex entails for differences in cellular composition and connectivity patterns in primates. The isocortex of primates is disproportionately expanded relative to many other mammals. Our results call into question the current emphasis on social rather than ecological explanations for the evolution of large brains in primates and evoke a range of ecological and developmental hypotheses centred on frugivory, including spatial information storage, extractive foraging and overcoming metabolic constraints. Specifically, frugivores exhibit larger brains than folivores. Here, we use a much larger sample of primates, more recent phylogenies, and updated statistical techniques, to show that brain size is predicted by diet, rather than multiple measures of sociality, after controlling for body size and phylogeny. Although this idea has been supported by studies indicating positive relationships between relative brain and/or neocortex size and group size, reported effects of different social and mating systems are highly conflicting.

#A matter of size screenit driver#

The production values are cutting-edge world class, indicating that Israeli film is no longer a provincial cottage industry for a captive audience, but a growing industry with international outreach.The social brain hypothesis posits that social complexity is the primary driver of primate cognitive complexity, and that social pressures ultimately led to the evolution of the large human brain. Written and directed in tandem by Erez Tadmor and Sharon Maymon -both of whom were present for a lively Q & A after the show. Gimmick-shmimmick - a winner with elements of Rocky and Karate Kid deftly tossed together with a healthy helping of schmaltz. It could take place anywhere - anywhere, that happens to have a Sushi restaurant run by a man who happens to be a retired Sumo referee. Interestingly, other than the fact that the film takes place in Israel, there is nothing particularly Jewish about it. Ultimately this is a film about self-acceptance in the face of Massive obstacles -and Sumo happens to be the vehicle to that end. His girlfriend has her own weight problems and complexes, but through Herzl's unconditional devotion also comes to accept herself as is. The oversize hero, Herzl, has a giant complex about his obesity, but in Sumo where fatness is prized, he finds a sense of worth. What is most unusual is that all the main actors, except for the Hebrew-speaking Japanese Sumo coach - are actually quite fat and far from glamorous - but are all very good actors and instantly engage our feelings for them.

This could be called a gimmick film -the gimmick being Jewish Sumo wrestlers in Israel - a pretty wild idea to start with -but it has so much else going for it that it transcends the gimmickry to become a thoughtful heart-warming picture. This is basically a feel-good love story about two people, Herzl and Zehava, who don't feel very good about themselves because they are exceptionally fat, but eventually find ways of coming to terms with their obesity. 2016 'A Matter of Size' (Hebrew title, 'Sipur Gadol' = 'A BIG Story'), 2009, 90 min., color.