Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University
Nishimura Lab.
NISHIMURA
LAB.
primate origins of human speech
primate evolution of visual / olfactory sensing
about
Evolution of Speech
Language is one of the most important and enigmatic features of humans. Unfortunately, language is not fossilized. Our laboratory promotes the bioacoustics of monkeys, integrating anatomical, behavioral, physiological, and engineering approaches, in an attempt to understand the evolutionary processes of speech (spoken language) as a medium of linguistic communication, in long evolutionary history of primates.
Co-evolution of sight and smell
We humans have excellent visual ability, but our sense of smell is poor. In primates, + the evolution of vision is said to have led to the degeneration of the sense of smell. By understanding the morphological evolution of peripheral structures corresponding to visual morphological adaptations, we are trying to clarify the evolutionary process of facial morphology in primates and humans.
Co-evolution of Vision and Olfaction
Humans have excellent visual abilities, while our olfactory sense is rather poor. Primates have evolved a trade-off whereby vision is developed but olfaction is inferior. By understanding the morphological evolution of peripheral structures responsible to vision and olfaction, we aims to clarify the evolutionary process of facial morphology in primates including humans.
Please feel free to contact us for more information.
inquiry
1-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
West Wing M213
nishimura.takeshi.hus (at mark) osaka-u.ac.jp
Phone: +81-6-6879-8056