Prey is recognised even by the zebrafish retina
Seeing – recognising – acting. These three words describe
how a sensory input can lead to a targeted movement. However, very little is
known about how and where the brain converts external inputs into behavioural
responses. Now, scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology in
Martinsried have been able to shed light on important neural circuitry involved
in the prey capture behaviour exhibited by young zebrafish. The findings show
that neurons in the retina of the eye already filter out prey objects from
other environmental signals. The cells then forward this information to an area
of the brain, which, up to now, had no identifiable role. The corresponding
swimming movements are then initiated here.