Discovery Neuroscientist Giaccamo Rizzollati and his colleagues at the University of Parma, Italy discovered mirror neurons in It was an accidental discovery that occurred while conducting research on motor neurons in monkeys.

What are Mirror Neurons? Mirror Neurons are premotor neurons that are activated by the observation or performance of a behavior, internally firing/activating the motor neurons of the corresponding behavior. They perform a kind of simulation of any observed behavior.

Development Crucial in accumulation of experience. By watching another animal perform an action, an animal can emulate a task and potentially understand the intent behind the action. Ontogeny(how an organism develops)- Many animals are programmed to imitate actions during development-part of the natural growth process.

Evolution Imitation learning ultimately causes culturally inherent characteristics. i.e. language production (mimicking) and language acquisition (tongue movements) Ritualization of mirror neuron system: allows for progressive sophistication of input & output information to certain signal behaviors Examples: tool use, communication-pretty much all aspects of what we call “culture”

Is this what makes us HUMAN? Other animals possess mirror neurons. Our highly developed mirror neuron system allows us to perform more complicated forms of imitation. A biological explanation for empathy? Humanity’s great leap forward into civilization? “Theory of Mind”- human consciousness-not everyone thinks the same way that you do. –inability to see another’s point of view-those at the severe end of the autism spectrum don’t develop “theory of mind”

Autism & Mirror Neurons Recent research has shown people afflicted with autism may have deficiencies in their amount of mirror neurons or in their ability to function. Social impairments result from the inability to learn from imitation; thus impairment in interaction and communication.