Decisions in an Innate Behavioral Sequence

Abstract

Innate behaviors are comprised of ordered sequences of component actions that progress to satisfy drives. We have characterized the structure of egg-laying behavior in Drosophila in detail and observed that the sequence is not merely comprised of motor acts but also acts of sensory exploration that govern the transitions between component actions. We have identified a cluster of internal sensory neurons that provide information about the progression of the egg during ovipositor burrowing, a behavior necessary for the subterraneous deposition of the egg. These neurons impart sensory feedback that allows burrowing to continue to egg deposition or to abort in favor of further exploration. Diminished activity of these neurons upon completed egg expulsion may initiate the transition to the final phase of egg-laying, allowing the cycle to repeat. Sensory feedback therefore plays a critical role at decision points between transitions affording innate behaviors with an adaptive flexibility.