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The evolution of consciousness: Olfaction first, vision later?

Behav Brain Sci June 25, 2026 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x25102860 (opens in new tab)

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Characteristics	Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Key points	Argues that consciousness evolved first in relation to olfaction, with vision emerging later.

Abstract

The evolution of consciousness: Olfaction first, vision later?

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8. The evolution of consciousness Consciousness: A Very Short Introduction September 14, 2017

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Abstract

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