Allometric Brain Development and Neuroecological Adaptations in Juvenile and Adult Raja polystigma
These findings highlight how ecological and behavioral shifts during development shape brain organization in R. polystigma. Enhanced growth of non-visual sensory regions and motor centers may reflect adaptations to a benthic lifestyle and bathymetric niche. This study contributes to our understanding of neuroecological evolution in Mediterranean chondrichthyans and underscores the value of R. polystigma as a model for investigating brain development in relation to ecological specialization.
Authors
- Antonello Mulas (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1635-691X)
- Giovanna Mulas (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6654-9966)
- Blondine Agus (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1180-2362)
- Andrea Bellodi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9017-1692)
- Maria Cristina Follesa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8320-9974)
- Riccardo Porceddu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7782-7549)
- Saturnino Spiga (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2561-0174)
- Cristina Porcu
- Jacopo Giuliani
- Mara Carrus
Institutions
- CoNISMa (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Brain Behavior and Evolution
- Published
- 2025-06-30
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1159/000546102
- Primary Topic
- Ichthyology and Marine Biology
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- European Commission