Which structure in the zebrafish brain is considered homologous to the mammalian hippocampus, based on shared function?
Answer
The lateral pallium
When assessing evolutionary homology between zebrafish and mammals, similarity in underlying mechanisms is key, especially when moving beyond simple genetic conservation. In terms of brain structure and function, the zebrafish structure known as the lateral pallium is considered homologous to the mammalian hippocampus. Both of these structures are implicated in similar cognitive functions, specifically relational learning. However, their physical manifestation differs due to divergent developmental processes: the fish brain develops via eversion, while the mammalian brain develops through evagination, leading to different physical placements of these functionally equivalent components.
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