Abstract
Animals generate complex patterns of behavior across development that may be shared or unique to individuals. Here, we examine the contributions of developmental programs and individual variation to behavior by monitoring single Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes over their complete developmental trajectories and quantifying their behavior at high spatiotemporal resolution. These measurements reveal reproducible trajectories of spontaneous foraging behaviors that are stereotyped within and between developmental stages. Dopamine, serotonin, the neuropeptide receptor NPR-1, and the TGF-β peptide DAF-7 each have stage-specific effects on behavioral trajectories, implying the existence of a modular temporal program controlled by neuromodulators. In addition, a fraction of individuals within isogenic populations raised in controlled environments have consistent, non-genetic behavioral biases that persist across development. Several neuromodulatory systems increase or decrease the degree of non-genetic individuality to shape sustained patterns of behavior across the population.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
