What Is So Special About the Human Brain?

Ever wonder how we have the capability to learn and speak while other animals can't? What makes us so special compared to them? What's happening in our brain that gives us the ability to do everything we do? Suzan Herculano-Houzel, a neuroscientist, asked the same questions. So she did some digging, spent some time in the lab and came up with a simple answer. Your ability to do what we consider simple, everyday tasks, like reading this article, is rooted in the number of neurons in the human brain. There's more to it than just that though. Take a look at Herculano-Houzel's TED Talk about what contributes to the brain abilities of different animals. She looks at size, capability, even eating habits, to correct the misconception that bigger brains means more neurons. https://www.ted.com/talks/suzana_herculano_houzel_what_is_so_special_about_the_human_brain#t-783637