Threshold-Based Ordering of Sequential Actions during Drosophila Courtship.

摘要: Goal-directed animal behaviors are typically composed of sequences motor actions whose order and timing critical for a successful outcome. Although numerous theoretical models sequential action generation have been proposed, few supported by the identification control neurons sufficient to elicit sequence. Here, we identify pair descending that coordinate stereotyped sequence engagement during Drosophila melanogaster male courtship behavior. These initiated sequentially but persist cumulatively, feature not explained existing behaviors. We find evidence consistent with ramp-to-threshold mechanism, in which increasing neuronal activity elicits each independently at successively higher thresholds.