Summary:
- Placental mammals, like whales and humans, have evolved larger brains compared to other mammals. This is likely due to the need for more complex cognitive abilities to survive and thrive in their environments.
- The development of the placenta, which provides nutrients and oxygen to the fetus during pregnancy, is thought to have played a key role in the evolution of larger brains in placental mammals.
- The increased brain size allowed placental mammals to develop more advanced social, problem-solving, and communication skills, which gave them a competitive advantage over other mammals.