The evolution and development of sensitive periods

Dr Willem Frankenhuis (University Of Amsterdam): The evolution and development of sensitive periods.

Sensitive periods—in which environmental conditions have the greatest impact on phenotypes—are widespread in nature, but their evolution is not well understood.

Recent mathematical models have explored the environmental selection pressures that favor the evolution of sensitive periods. These models provide insight into sensitive periods at different life stages—infancy, childhood, and adolescence —including the effects of experience on their timing and duration.

This talk will cover key insights from these models in a highly accessible manner, with emphasis on building bridges with empirical research across diverse species.