Function of the Neocortex

Xiao Huang: DOORM, what unique functions does the neocortex have in mammals?

DOORM: The neocortex in mammals has unique functions because it is responsible for processing information in a hierarchical manner. Animals without a neocortex, mainly non-mammals, are generally unable to understand hierarchical systems. The ability to comprehend and alter the intrinsic hierarchy of real-world societies is unique to mammals because they possess this latest evolutionary brain structure. The neocortex is responsible for sensory perception, cognition, reasoning, and language, which are essentially what we refer to as “thinking.”