Dynamic neuroplasticity and the automation of motivated behavior

摘要

Extraordinary behavioral flexibility is necessary in order to meet energy needs. An animal must know when and where to search for food, guard itself and its offspring against predators, and continuously adjust foraging behavior as the changing environment dictates. These pressures have selected for the ability to accomplish numerous functions simultaneously. This is particularly necessary during the execution of motivated behaviors (behaviors that have initiation, procurement, and consummatory phases) (Swanson 2000), and is facilitated by habitual performance. Specifically, while motivated learning initially requires significant cognitive effort, with practice, complex tasks can be performed quite automatically. In a recent study, Hernandez et al. (2006) examined the neurobiology of this transition, from early learning to automatic responding, based on the hypothesis that the transition is mediated by plasticity within neural circuitry regulating motivated learning.