We examine the relationship between social interaction, simulated predator injury, and neurogenesis in the weakly electric fish, Apteronotus leptorhynchus. Social interactions are known for affecting the brain and behavior of various animal species, including humans. Grouping behavior among animals, for instance, often provides protection from environmental threats. In many species, social interaction also promotes the… Continue Reading
We use South American weakly electric fish and Trinidadian killifish to investigate the effects of predation on adult neurogenesis and brain morphology. Previously, we examined the effect of predation on brain cell proliferation in wild-caught electric fish, Brachyhypopomus occidentalis in Panama. Fish exposed to higher levels of predation risk and tail injuries from predators showed… Continue Reading
We examine the relationship between behavior and brain structural plasticity, particularly cell proliferation and neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons). In complex organisms, such as humans, it is difficult to study these relationships because the neural circuits controlling behavior are so numerous and interconnected. One organism in which the link between brain structure and behavior… Continue Reading