Abstract
We propose a mechanism for copying of neuronal networks that is of considerable interest for neuroscience for it suggests a neuronal basis for causal inference, function copying, and natural selection within the human brain. To date, no model of neuronal topology copying exists. We present three increasingly sophisticated mechanisms to demonstrate how topographic map formation coupled with Spike-Time Dependent Plasticity (STDP) can copy neuronal topology motifs. Fidelity is improved by error correction and activity-reverberation limitation. The high-fidelity topology-copying operator is used to evolve neuronal topologies. Possible roles for neuronal natural selection are discussed.
Highlights
This paper is the result of taking seriously the idea that units of selection exist in the brain [1,2,3]
We examine the ability of two forms of spike-time dependent plasticity (STDP) to undertake intra-layer topology copying
Are we justified in assuming very strong synaptic strength between and within layers so that on average one spike in the presynaptic neuron is sufficient to produce one spike in the postsynaptic neuron? Certainly such an assumption would seem unwarranted in light of Abeles’ argument that ‘‘In the cortex, reliable transmission of activity is possible only between populations of cells connected by multiple diverging and converging connections.’’ (p210) [49], which is based on experimental calculations of asynchronous synaptic gain (ASG) that is the probability that a spike occurs in the post-synaptic neuron after a spike in the pre-synaptic neuron, over and above background spiking levels
Summary
This paper is the result of taking seriously the idea that units of selection exist in the brain [1,2,3]. A unit of selection is an entity that can replicate, and have hereditary variation [4,5]. If these units have differential fitness they can evolve by natural selection. Since natural selection is an algorithm for generating adaptation [10], it can have many implementations [11]. It is worthwhile considering whether it may be utilized for cognition
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