Complex Economic Behavior Patterns Are Constructed from Finite, Genetically Controlled Modules of Behavior

摘要

Complex ethological behaviors could be constructedfrom finite modules that are reproducible functionalunits of behavior. Here, we test this idea for foragingand develop methods to dissect rich behavior patternsin mice. We uncover discrete modules offoraging behavior reproducible across differentstrains and ages, as well as nonmodular behavioralsequences. Modules differ in terms of form, expressionfrequency, and expression timing and are expressedin a probabilistically determined order. Modulesshape economic patterns of feeding, exposure,activity, and perseveration responses. The modulararchitecture of foraging changes developmentally,and different developmental, genetic, and parentaleffects are found to shape the expression of specificmodules. Dissecting modules from complex patternsis powerful for phenotype analysis. We discover thatboth parental alleles of the imprinted Prader-Willisyndrome gene Magel2 are functional in mice butregulate different modules. Our study found thatcomplex economic patterns are built from finite,genetically controlled modules.