# Scientific challenge to brain evolution theory > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/scientific-challenge-to-brain-evolution-theory > Updated: 2026-09-10T13:39:16.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Researchers from Georgia Tech and Cornell University have published findings in Science Advances that challenge the traditional “lizard brain” theory of brain evolution. This long-standing model, popularized in the 1950s, suggested that the brain evolved in hierarchical layers, adding advanced reasoning capabilities on top of older emotional and bodily function centers. The new research proposes that brain evolution is driven by neural wiring organization and a “computational tug of war” for limited resources like space and energy, rather than the addition of new layers. By analyzing 182 mammalian species, scientists found that the neocortex and the limbic system function as two distinct computational systems with different wiring strategies. Specifically, the neocortex utilizes spatial mapping for processing sensory inputs like vision and touch, while the limbic system employs a distributed, “barcode-style” organization suited for memory and smell. The study suggests that different species allocate brain space to one system or the other based on evolutionary needs, such as the vision-reliant squirrel monkey or the smell-reliant nine-banded armadillo. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Neuroscientists challenge the evolutionary “lizard brain” myth New research challenges the “lizard brain” myth, suggesting the neocortex and limbic system evolved as two distinct computational systems rather than layers of old and new brain structures. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/neuroscientists-challenge-the-evolutionary-lizard-brain-myth ### 2026-08-31: Researchers challenge long-standing “lizard brain” evolution theory New research published in Science Advances challenges the 1950s “lizard brain” theory, suggesting brain evolution is driven by competing neural wiring strategies rather than hierarchical layering. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/researchers-challenge-long-standing-lizard-brain-evolution-theory --- Cite as: Scientific challenge to brain evolution theory. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/scientific-challenge-to-brain-evolution-theory