BCCN Lecture Series - Carolina Rezaval

Neurogenetics, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham

Title: “Mind the competitor”: a neural mechanism of competition-driven risk-taking.

Abstract:

Competition is a powerful driver of behaviour across the animal kingdom, yet how neural circuits balance risk and reward under competitive pressure remains poorly understood. Here, we show that competitive pressure promotes risk-taking in Drosophila males, leading them to prioritise mating even in the presence of threats. This risk-taking behaviour diminishes when more prospective mates are available, causing a shift in behaviour from courtship towards survival. Moreover, we find prior social experience is required for males to engage in competitive courtship under threat. By combining targeted neural manipulations, behavioural approaches and live calcium imaging, we uncover a neural circuit mechanism that integrates competitive pressure and past experience to steer decision-making under conflict.

 

Guests are welcome!

 

Organized by

Lisa Scheunemann / Lisa Rosenbluhm