Neurobiological regularities in the origin of terrestrial vertebrates

Some trends in the phylogenetic changes of the vertebrate neural system in the course of their transition from aquatic to terrestrial mode of life are analyzed. Wide multifunctionality of the neural centers and heterotopic substitution of the brain functions are supposed to be prerequisites of transition of archaic amphibians to the land via a stable transitional environment. The latter include underground or vegetation aquatic-air labyrinths in which conditions of gradual acquisition of adaptations to the terrestrial mode of life occurred. The principal neurological adaptations to such mode of life and less dependence on aquatic environment developed during the long-term evolution in that environment. The neurobiological model of evolution of the archaic amphibians in the transitional environment of aquatic-air labyrinths suggested herewith is compared to other hypotheses of the tetrapod origin.