Abstract
How social groups and organisms decide between alternative feeding sites or shelters has been extensively studied both experimentally and theoretically. One key result is the existence of a symmetry-breaking bifurcation at a critical system size, where there is a switch from evenly distributed exploitation of all options to a focussed exploitation of just one. Here we present a decision-making model in which symmetry-breaking is followed by a symmetry restoring bifurcation, whereby very large systems return to an even distribution of exploitation amongst options. The model assumes local positive feedback, coupled with a negative feedback regulating the flow toward the feeding sites. We show that the model is consistent with three different strains of the slime mold Physarum polycephalum, choosing between two feeding sites. We argue that this combination of feedbacks could allow collective foraging organisms to react flexibly in a dynamic environment.
Highlights
Many social or gregarious living organisms are effective decision-makers, in the sense that they are able to select the best of several available options [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9]
We show that non-trivial decision patterns, including a symmetry restoring bifurcation may arise depending on the mass of the slime mold
Collective decision making is ubiquitous in group-living organisms allowing them to select between several competing resources
Summary
Many social or gregarious living organisms are effective decision-makers, in the sense that they are able to select the best of several available options [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9]. If the number of individuals is large enough, a slight initial imbalance of the fraction of individuals visiting one or the other source will entrain the majority of foragers to focus on a particular food source resulting in a collective decision. Such collective decisionmaking has been seen in predator avoidance [15], shelter selection [16] and has even been interpreted in terms of rationality [17,18]. Symmetry is broken when a critical number of individuals is exceeded
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
