Emergent spatial goals in an integrative model of the insect central complex

The insect central complex appears to encode and process spatial information through vector manipulation. Here, we draw on recent insights into circuit structure to fuse previous models of sensory-guided navigation, path integration and vector memory. Specifically, we propose that the allocentric en...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:PLoS computational biology 2023-12, Vol.19 (12), p.e1011480
Main Authors: Goulard, Roman, Heinze, Stanley, Webb, Barbara
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Animals
Bioinformatics (Computational Biology)
Bioinformatik (beräkningsbiologi)
Biology and Life Sciences
Cognitive models
Compasses
Computer and Information Science
Convergence
Data- och informationsvetenskap (Datateknik)
Engineering and Technology
Food
Goals
Information processing
Insecta
Insects
Memory
Methods
Natural Sciences
Naturvetenskap
Navigation behavior
Neurons
Physiological aspects
Sensory integration
Social Sciences
Space Perception
Spatial analysis (Statistics)
Spatial data
Spatial Navigation
Wildlife conservation
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The insect central complex appears to encode and process spatial information through vector manipulation. Here, we draw on recent insights into circuit structure to fuse previous models of sensory-guided navigation, path integration and vector memory. Specifically, we propose that the allocentric encoding of location provided by path integration creates a spatially stable anchor for converging sensory signals that is relevant in multiple behavioural contexts. The allocentric reference frame given by path integration transforms a goal direction into a goal location and we demonstrate through modelling that it can enhance approach of a sensory target in noisy, cluttered environments or with temporally sparse stimuli. We further show the same circuit can improve performance in the more complex navigational task of route following. The model suggests specific functional roles for circuit elements of the central complex that helps explain their high preservation across insect species.
ISSN:1553-7358
1553-734X
1553-7358
DOI:10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011480