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What is the fundamental difference between primate brains and rodent brains, which enables primates' highly cognitive functions? Whereas subcortical and cerebellar structures are well-conserved in rodents and primates, the cerebral cortex is distinct in primates in terms of size and complexity. Although there are tons of literature that describe anatomical and physiological differences across species, molecular basis of those differences remains elusive. We have revealed distinct gene expression patterns in the cerebral cortex that are unique in primate species. We will study what regulates expressions of these genes, and what their functional significance is. We will also examine novel neuroanatomical structures of the primate cerebral cortex through investigation of activity-dependent gene expression, such as ocular dominance domains in New World monkeys and rats. Overall, we will propose novel models of primate brain evolution that connects the molecular and neuroanatomical/physiological studies.