A comparative view of face perception.

doi:10.1037/a0019460

Paper

A comparative view of face perception.

Published Aug 1, 2010 · D. Leopold, G. Rhodes

Journal of comparative psychology

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257

Citations

9

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Abstract

Face perception serves as the basis for much of human social exchange. Diverse information can be extracted about an individual from a single glance at their face, including their identity, emotional state, and direction of attention. Neuropsychological and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments reveal a complex network of specialized areas in the human brain supporting these face-reading skills. Here we consider the evolutionary roots of human face perception by exploring the manner in which different animal species view and respond to faces. We focus on behavioral experiments collected from both primates and nonprimates, assessing the types of information that animals are able to extract from the faces of their conspecifics, human experimenters, and natural predators. These experiments reveal that faces are an important category of visual stimuli for animals in all major vertebrate taxa, possibly reflecting the early emergence of neural specialization for faces in vertebrate evolution. At the same time, some aspects of facial perception are only evident in primates and a few other social mammals, and may therefore have evolved to suit the needs of complex social communication. Because the human brain likely utilizes both primitive and recently evolved neural specializations for the processing of faces, comparative studies may hold the key to understanding how these parallel circuits emerged during human evolution.

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Study Snapshot

Key takeawayHuman face perception evolved from facial perception in all major vertebrate taxa, with some aspects unique to primates and social mammals, potentially reflecting early neural specialization for faces in vertebrate evolution.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

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A comparative view of face perception.

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References

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Citations

Facilitation of Evolution by Plasticity Scales with Phenotypic Complexity

Developmental plasticity accelerates the evolution of complex behaviors and biological systems, facilitating rapid advancements and species diversification as organisms face more difficult environmental tasks.

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Hens exhibit facial displays that reveal their emotions, revealing that blushing is not exclusive to humans, offering a promising avenue for exploring their emotional lives and improving poultry welfare.

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The face module emerged in the DAMP model as an adaptation strategy to sparse connectivity challenges in neural networks, rather than being influenced by cognitive tasks or stimuli.