145. Gyrification, noun. The folding of the mammalian cerebral cortex into ridges and fissures during development, increasing the effective size of the brain; also, the degree to which the brain of a particular individual or species is thus folded. (The cerebral cortex is the topmost layer of the forebrain—sometimes referred to as “gray matter,” it may be considered, so far as such an entity exists, the seat of consciousness.) Although no thoroughgoing scientific agreement has been reached about the significance of gyrification, there is some evidence that it is positively correlated with certain measures of intelligence, particularly the cognitive abilities that govern social interactions.
From Latin gyrus and Greek gyros, which both mean “circle” or “ring.”
If an elephant’s brain were a landscape, it would be quicker to traverse than a dolphin’s, harder than a human being’s.
I find a box of Elephantidae-shaped napkin holders on a kitchen cabinet when we move in, and call them into service when I need a place to keep this polished circlet as I do the dishes. You follow suit.
