ABSTRACT
Neuroscientists frequently make inferences about the human brain indirectly by studying the nervous systems of nonhuman species. This chapter addresses the widespread use and justification of model organisms in neuroscience with a focus on the problem of extrapolation. The model organism approach promises to provide specific insights into the workings of the human brain and reveal general principles of neural organization and function. Unsurprisingly, the adoption of particular species as model organisms in experimental neuroscience also reflects similar considerations. Accordingly, generality is an empirical conclusion to be reached by examining data from many species, and the appropriateness of a given model organism for extrapolation is an empirical hypothesis that must be supported by evidence. The model organism approach affords a potentially promising way to gain insights into the workings of the human brain and discover general principles of nervous system structure and function.
