We see red: dogs don’t. Our eyes emphasise contrasts, making it easier to spot colours, patterns, and rhythmical movements. But no two people see red in the same way. How has our vision evolved, and why?
Despite a remarkably close genetic heritage, our capacity to articulate sounds and understand complex symbols is a ‘quantum leap’ beyond the capabilities of our chimpanzee cousins. The actions of our vocal Central Pattern Generator circuits therefore underpin how we articulate our thoughts, allocate meaning, and use a communication tool that allows us to think about what it is that makes us human. But can we think without language?