Sims-Berni2019.pdf (6.6 MB)
Optimal searching behaviour generated intrinsically by the central pattern generator for locomotion
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 20:07 authored by David W Sims, Nicolas E Humphries, Nan Hu, Violeta Medan, Jimena BerniJimena BerniEfficient searching for resources such as food by animals is key to their survival. It has been proposed that diverse animals from insects to sharks and humans adopt searching patterns that resemble a simple Lévy random walk, which is theoretically optimal for ‘blind foragers’ to locate sparse, patchy resources. To test if such patterns are generated intrinsically, or arise via environmental interactions, we tracked free-moving Drosophila larvae with (and without) blocked synaptic activity in the brain, suboesophageal ganglion (SOG) and sensory neurons. In brain-blocked larvae we found that extended substrate exploration emerges as multi-scale movement paths similar to truncated Lévy walks. Strikingly, power-law exponents of brain/SOG/sensory-blocked larvae averaged 1.96, close to a theoretical optimum (µ ~ 2.0) for locating sparse resources. Thus, efficient spatial exploration can emerge from autonomous patterns in neural activity. Our results provide the strongest evidence so far for the intrinsic generation of Lévy-like movement patterns.
Funding
Hox Genes and the Diversification of Neuronal Networks; Wellcome Trust and Royal Society; WT105568AIA
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
eLifeISSN
2050-084XPublisher
eLife Sciences Publications Ltd.External DOI
Issue
e50316Volume
8Page range
1-31Department affiliated with
- BSMS Publications
Notes
All data generated and analysed in this study are available in Dryad (http://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.7m0cfxpq0).Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2020-01-06First Open Access (FOA) Date
2020-01-06First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2020-01-06Usage metrics
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