Neuroethology
The recognition of prey and predators in the toad was first studied in depth by Jörg-Peter Ewert. He began by observing the natural prey-catching behavior of the common toad (Bufo bufo) and concluded that the animal followed a sequence that consisted of stalking, binocular fixation, snapping, swallowing and mouth-wiping. However, initially, the toad’s actions were dependent on specific features of the sensory stimulus: whether it demonstrated worm or anti-worm configurations. It was observed that the worm configuration, which signaled prey, was initiated by movement along the object's long axis, whereas anti-worm configuration, which signaled predator, was due to movement along the short axis (Zupanc 2004).
Neuroethologists adopted a variety of methods to study the predator versus prey behavior response. They conducted recording experiments where they inserted electrodes into the brain, while the toad was presented with worm or anti-worm stimuli. This technique was repeated at different levels of the visual system and also allowed feature detectors to be identified. Another approach, called stimulation experiment, was carried out in freely moving toads. Neuroethologists electrically stimulated regions of the brain, and observed what the toad’s response was. When the thalamic-pretectal region was stimulated, the toad exhibited escape responses, but when the tectum was stimulated, the toad engaged in prey catching behavior (Carew 2000). Furthermore, neuroanatomical experiments were carried out where the toad’s thalamic-pretectal/tectal connection was lesioned, and scientists noted the behavioral deficits that resulted.
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Computational neuroethology
Computational neuroethology (CN) is concerned with the computer modelling of neuroethology, including its neural substrates.
CN systems work within a closed-loop environment. That is, they perceive their (perhaps artificial) environment directly, rather than through human input, as is typical in AI systems.[2]
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Model systems
- Bat Echolocation-- nocturnal flight navigation and prey capture
- Oscine Bird Song-- zebra finch, canary
- Electric Fish-- navigation, communication, Jamming Avoidance Response (JAR), and corollary discharge
- Barn Owl Auditory Spatial Map-- nocturnal prey location and capture
- Toad Vision-- discrimination of prey versus predator
- Cricket Song-- mate attraction and corollary discharge
- Noctuid Moths-- acoustic predator avoidance response to bat calls
- Aplysia-- learning and memory in startle response
- Rat Spatial Memory and Navigation
- Salmon Homing-- olfactory imprinting and thyroid hormones
- Crayfish-- escape and startle behaviors
- Cichlid fish-- aggression and attack behaviors
- More Model Systems and Information
Honey bee: learning, navigation, vision, olfaction, flight, aggression, foraging
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See also
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References
- ^ Pfaff, Donald W., "The Neuroscience of Fair Play: Why We (Usually) Follow the Golden Rule", Dana Press, The Dana Foundation, New York, 2007. ISBN 9781932594270
- ^ Franklin, Stan. Artificial minds, page 13-14. "A Bradford book.", third printing, 1998
- Beer D., Randall, Roy E. Ritzmann, Thomas McKenna (1993) Biological neural networks in invertebrate neuroethology and robotics. Boston : Academic Press.
- Camhi, J.M. (1984), Neuroethology: Nerve cells and the Natural behavior of Animals, Sinauer Associates.
- Carew, T.J. (2000), Feature analysis in Toads. Behavioral Neurobiology, Sunderland, MA: Sinauer, pp. 95-119.
- Carlew, T.J. (2000), Behavioral neurobiology: The Cellular Organization of Natural Behavior, Sinauer Associates.
- Ewert, J-P. (1982), Neuroethology: An Introduction to the Neurophysiological Fundamentals of Behaviour, New York: Springer -Verlag.
- Hoyle, G. (1984) The scope of Neuroethology. Behavioural Brain Science 7:367-412 [2] Graham Hoyle put forth a rather narrow definition of the goals and subject matter of neuroethology and links the field to the field of ethology. This is followed by commentaries from many prominent neuroethologists. It makes for fascinating reading.
- Metzner, W. (1993), The Jamming avoidance response in Eigenmannia is controlled by two separate motor pathways. The Journal of Neuroscience. 13(5): 1862-1878
- Pfluger, H.-J. and R. Menzel (1999) Neuroethology, its roots and future. J Comp Physiol A 185:389-392 [3]
- Zupanc, G.K.H. 2004. Behavioral Neurobiology: An Integrative Approach. Oxford University Press: Oxford, UK.
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External links
- International Society for Neuroethology
- Topics in Neuroethology
- Cornell page with some papers online
- http://www.tamie.org/insect.png
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