I cannot stand that “reptilian brain” stuff, particularly when it comes to brain size being the presumed determining factor. Pseudoscience at its worst.
Agreed. But remember, the basis for that premise started over 100 years ago. It was “accepted” science. No one questioned it until the last 10-15 years and now we’re learning so much more about these beautiful animals. For instance, did you know that many rattlesnake species will guard and defend their young weeks if not months after birth? They will even defend the offspring of other rattlesnakes in their den site against predators. This behavior has never been documented in any snake species until the last 10 years.