The central nervous system (CNS) underlies memory, perception, decision-making, and behavior in numerous organisms. However, neural networks have no monopoly on the signaling functions that implement these remarkable algorithms. It is often forgotten that neurons optimized cellular signaling modes that existed long before the CNS appeared during evolution, and were used by somatic cellular networks to orchestrate physiology, embryonic development, and behavior. Many of the key dynamics that enable information processing can, in fact, be implemented by different biological hardware. This is widely exploited by organisms throughout the tree of life. Here, we review data on memory, learning, and other aspects of cognition in a range of models, including single celled organisms, plants, and tissues in animal bodies. We discuss current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms at work in these systems, and suggest several hypotheses for future investigation. The study of cognitive processes implemented in aneural contexts is a fascinating, highly interdisciplinary topic that has many implications for evolution, cell biology, regenerative medicine, computer science, and synthetic bioengineering.
On Having No Head: Cognition throughout Biological Systems
Published 2016 in Frontiers in Psychology
ABSTRACT
PUBLICATION RECORD
- Publication year
2016
- Venue
Frontiers in Psychology
- Publication date
2016-06-21
- Fields of study
Biology, Medicine, Computer Science
- Identifiers
- External record
- Source metadata
Semantic Scholar, PubMed
CITATION MAP
EXTRACTION MAP
CLAIMS
CONCEPTS
- aneural contexts
Biological settings in which cognition-related functions occur without neurons or a nervous system.
Aliases: non-neural contexts
- cellular signaling modes
Cell-based signaling mechanisms that transmit and integrate information within living systems.
Aliases: cell signaling modes
- central nervous system
The neuron-based control system that supports coordinated sensing, processing, and behavior in animals.
Aliases: CNS
- cognition
Information-processing capacities such as memory, learning, perception, decision-making, and behavior.
- molecular mechanisms
The biochemical and signaling-level processes underlying cognition-related functions in the systems discussed.
- plants
Photosynthetic multicellular organisms included as non-neural models for cognition-related phenomena.
- single-celled organisms
Organisms consisting of one cell, used here as model systems for non-neural cognition-related behavior.
Aliases: unicellular organisms
- tissues in animal bodies
Non-neural cell assemblies within animals that can coordinate physiological functions and behavior.
Aliases: animal tissues