Hippocampal representation during collective spatial behaviour in bats.

ABSTRACT: Social animals live and move through spaces shaped by the presence, motion and sensory cues of multiple other individuals^1-6. Neural activity in the hippocampus is known to reflect spatial behaviour^7-9 yet its study is lacking in such dynamic group settings, which are ubiquitous in natural environments. Here we studied hippocampal activity in groups of bats engaged in collective spatial behaviour. We find that, under spontaneous conditions, a robust spatial structure emerges at the group level whereby behaviour is anchored to specific locations, movement patterns and individual social preferences. Using wireless electrophysiological recordings from both stationary and flying bats, we find that many hippocampal neurons are tuned to key features of group dynamics. These

SUBMITTER: Forli A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10533399 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature