neural Darwinism
a neurobiological theory that uses Darwinian natural selection to account for brain development and functioning in terms of selectionist amplification, pruning, and strengthening of neurons, synapses, and dynamic signaling. During brain development, billions of neurons emerge and send axonal cones to target other neurons and make connective synapses. Both neurons and their synapses are then pruned so that only the most functional cells and connections survive. When neuronal pathways are established, a similar amplification and pruning process occurs among active connections. Critics of the theory have argued that natural selection cannot apply without reproduction. To this, its supporters argue that the dynamic reentry of signaling (functional mapping) among neural connections established during earlier selection is equivalent to reproduction. Also called neuronal group selection; selectionist brain theory. [proposed by U.S. neuroscientist
Gerald M. Edelman (1929–2014) in 1987]