OPinion Women have bigger brains than men by Ivana Kumptu Not only are women’s brains larger but their corpus callos, which divide the two hemispheres of the brain and es, it’s really true. While men are on average 12% allows them to communicate, is thicker and more fibrous physically larger than women, women have larger than those found in men. What this means is that women can brains than men. switch mental gears with greater ease and efficiency. While Of course, cows and elephants have larger brains too, men tend to focus on one thing at a time, women seem to be but there is a crucial difference. The part of the brain that is able to juggle several tasks at once. Actually they can’t, but larger in women is its most recently evolved part. More they can switch their attention so rapidly it seems they can. specifically, it is the cerebral This allows women to respond to unpre- cortex or frontal lobes — the part c i dictable and active toddlers, then easily responsible for planning and I’m not saying women are resume other tasks. Rarrying out action. smarter than men. I’m only Furthermore, women carry more genetic You can blame evolution . matter than men. It’s that tiny “Y” chromo- for this hidden but reporting some facts some that gets men into trouble. Men tend oe important difference to acquire more genetic related disorders between men and such as colour blindness and hemophilia. women. It is women’s bodies that incubate life. It It’s because they inherit defunct recessive genes from their is women’s bodies that can sustain (asin nourish mothers. through their mammary glands) life during that I’m not saying women are smarter than men. I’m only most vulnerable first year of post incubation. So, reporting some facts of the biological differences between nature has given us a few advantages. men and women — other than the obvious. And I do happen Why? Women’s lives are more complex than men’s. __ to like mena whole lot. But it does seem odd that the sex with Men, not traditionally burdened with the multiple tasks the smaller brain still holds most of the power on this planet. of working and rearing young, didn’t need to develop I guess that extra 12% in body size has done men well over such complicated hard wiring. the centuries. Don’t take my word for it. Check out any first year But today, nearing the year 2000, when we are learning the psychology or second year biology textbook. It’s allthere _ secrets of life — or are at least figuring out how much we in black and white. don’t really know about ourselves — a little respect please, for the brain as well as the brawn. oinOURworkforce.| ff... So Far, So Good. Need a job? Want to learn a trade? Looking for a career? You can have it all in the Canadian Forces. Opportunities are available NOW for Canadian men and women. Join our team and share in a proud Canadian tradition. For more information, drop by your Recruiting Centre or call: 1-800-856-8488 www .recruiting.dnd.ca Our Team. The best thing that could ever happen to you. A g i he National Défense Regular and Reserve Defence _ nationale You’ve come a long way. Maybe even further than you think. If you're looking for a career that offers mobility and the freedom to choose, you're headed in the right direction. CGA is BCs largest professional accounting organization. Our internationally respected computer integrated training program gives you the flexibility to “earn while you learn” and delivers the skills you need to succeed in Financial Management, Management Accounting or Public Practice. You may already be well on your way to a CGA certification. Applicants who have satisfactorily completed equivalent courses are eligible for exemptions. Get the credit you deserve. For a free evaluation or more information call the Certified General Accountants Association of British Columbia at (604) 732-1211 or 1-800-565-1211 | -wdgo: yep sndwey E00 We} PIAe 84 IW Certified General Accountants Association of British Columbia 1555 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia VoJ 115. Telephone 732-1211 or 1-800-565-1211 Fax 732-1252 Website: http://www.cga-bc.org ANOTHER STUDENT SOCIETY FUNCTION 4 January 211997 The Other Press