ABSTRACT

It is well established that brain development depends on the interaction between the basic components of the nervous system (nature) and the environment (nurture). This interaction, however, relies on a number of rules that could modify not only the organization of neural systems, but also their function. In this chapter, we report results on the plasticity of the visual system in animal and human models, using a variety of methodological approaches. In particular, we describe major findings regarding plasticity that result from modifications of the visual input through lesions in the various stages of the visual pathway (peripheral and central). Possible mechanisms for such neural reorganization are also discussed.

NATURE VERSUS NURTURE: ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ON BRAIN PLASTICITY

One of the oldest issues in modern psychology and biology concerns the nature versus nurture conundrum. Miscellaneous inquiries have been explored in this topic, such as “to what extent can genetic dispositions endow behaviors?” and “to what degree can the environment shape these?” It is well established that brain development depends on the interaction between the basic components of the nervous system (nature) and the stimulating environment (nurture). However, this interaction relies on a number of rules that could modify not only the organization of neural systems, but also their function. As we consider the main principles of evolution, we focus on the characteristics of the brain that are inheritable.