The evolution of the human neocortex is a key factor in the development of human cognitive abilities. However, the genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying these evolutionary advancements remain poorly understood. This review explores how human-specific features of the neocortex may have evolved through developmental processes in different mammalian species. The neocortex, the most recent addition to the brain, is considered the biological basis of human mental abilities. It first appeared in early mammals as a six-layered sheet of radially arranged neurons. Over time, the neocortex has expanded in size and complexity, culminating in the human brain. The neocortex is unique in its cellular composition and synaptic organization, and its development involves complex molecular and cellular mechanisms. The Evo-Devo approach, which combines evolutionary and developmental biology, has provided insights into how genetic changes during development can lead to species-specific features of the neocortex. This approach has revealed that the expansion of the neocortex is associated with an increase in the number of radial units, which are columns of neurons that form the basic structure of the neocortex. The radial unit hypothesis suggests that an increase in the number of neural stem cells leads to an exponential increase in the number of radial columns, which in turn leads to an expanded neocortex. This hypothesis is supported by experimental studies in mice, where manipulation of cell production in the ventricular zone has led to an increase in the number of radial columns and a larger cortical surface. The neocortex also undergoes significant changes in its structure and function during evolution, including the development of convolutions, which are prominent in primates. These convolutions are thought to be the result of the tension created by large numbers of axonal fascicles that crisscross the intermediate zone. The evolution of the neocortex has also involved the introduction of new cell types and migratory pathways, as well as the elaboration of neuronal connections. The development of the neocortex is a complex process that involves the differentiation of neural stem cells into various types of neurons, including interneurons, which play a crucial role in the function of the neocortex. The evolution of the neocortex has also involved the expansion of the prefrontal cortex and other association areas, which are involved in higher cognitive functions such as language and reasoning. The study of the neocortex has revealed that the human brain is unique in its structure and function, and that the genetic differences between humans and other species, although small, have significant functional implications. The neocortex is a complex structure that has evolved through a combination of genetic and developmental mechanisms, and its study provides insights into the evolution of human cognition and the development of neuropsychiatric disorders.The evolution of the human neocortex is a key factor in the development of human cognitive abilities. However, the genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying these evolutionary advancements remain poorly understood. This review explores how human-specific features of the neocortex may have evolved through developmental processes in different mammalian species. The neocortex, the most recent addition to the brain, is considered the biological basis of human mental abilities. It first appeared in early mammals as a six-layered sheet of radially arranged neurons. Over time, the neocortex has expanded in size and complexity, culminating in the human brain. The neocortex is unique in its cellular composition and synaptic organization, and its development involves complex molecular and cellular mechanisms. The Evo-Devo approach, which combines evolutionary and developmental biology, has provided insights into how genetic changes during development can lead to species-specific features of the neocortex. This approach has revealed that the expansion of the neocortex is associated with an increase in the number of radial units, which are columns of neurons that form the basic structure of the neocortex. The radial unit hypothesis suggests that an increase in the number of neural stem cells leads to an exponential increase in the number of radial columns, which in turn leads to an expanded neocortex. This hypothesis is supported by experimental studies in mice, where manipulation of cell production in the ventricular zone has led to an increase in the number of radial columns and a larger cortical surface. The neocortex also undergoes significant changes in its structure and function during evolution, including the development of convolutions, which are prominent in primates. These convolutions are thought to be the result of the tension created by large numbers of axonal fascicles that crisscross the intermediate zone. The evolution of the neocortex has also involved the introduction of new cell types and migratory pathways, as well as the elaboration of neuronal connections. The development of the neocortex is a complex process that involves the differentiation of neural stem cells into various types of neurons, including interneurons, which play a crucial role in the function of the neocortex. The evolution of the neocortex has also involved the expansion of the prefrontal cortex and other association areas, which are involved in higher cognitive functions such as language and reasoning. The study of the neocortex has revealed that the human brain is unique in its structure and function, and that the genetic differences between humans and other species, although small, have significant functional implications. The neocortex is a complex structure that has evolved through a combination of genetic and developmental mechanisms, and its study provides insights into the evolution of human cognition and the development of neuropsychiatric disorders.