Conference Paper
Evolution of sensory-behavior laterality in Astyanax mexicanus
Fernandes, V.F.L., Hernandez, H., Doeden, N. and Yoshizawa, M.
Record Number:
4321
Year:
2019
Journal:
AIM 2019
Pages:
71
Abstract:
Many animal species exhibit laterality in sensation and behavioral responses, namely, the
preference for using either the left or right side of the sensory system. However, it is largely
unknown whether such laterality in sensory-behavior coupling evolves during rapid adaptation
processes. A cave form of the Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, evolved from surface-dwelling
ancestors and rapidly adapted to cave by enhancing traits including vibration attraction behavior
(VAB), an adaptive foraging behavior in darkness, and its underlying mechanosensors, superficial
neuromasts (SN). In our former study, we found that the left side-SN increase, regardless of by
the normal development or by inhibitor treatment, was positively correlated with VAB in juvenile
cavefish. The association with right side-SN, or laterality in surface fish was not observed,
suggesting the laterality between left SN and VAB may have evolved during adaptation to cave.
We will discuss current attempts on SN neuro-tracing and brain anatomy which are potentially
related to asymmetrical VAB response as well as the impact of asymmetric ablation of the lateral
line in VAB level.
Times Cited:
1
Conference Name:
Astyanax Interrnational Meeting
Relevent Species: