The mammalian hippocampus is a conserved region and probably one of the best-studied brain
areas. However the homologous regions in other vertebrates differ in the anatomical
organization but are still able to perform similar functions. In this special topic issue
international experts in evolutionary neuroscience discuss the homology of the hippocampus
among fishes amphibians reptiles birds and mammals. The articles cover the history of
hippocampal research developmental patterns of gene expression in mammals birds and reptiles
and the internal connectivity in adult birds and mammals. Furthermore it explores the role of
the hippocampus in spatial navigation and memory as well as its role in social cognition and
in regulating the stress response. In addition to evolutionary neuroscientists this
publication is of special interest to all those studying the mammalian hippocampus as it puts
their structure of interest in a wider evolutionary context. It will also be relevant to
behavioral ecologists and other behavioral biologists interested in navigation and memory
across a range of species.
