Automated behavioral profiling using neural networks reveals differences in stress-like behavior between cave and surface-dwelling <i>Astyanax mexicanus</i>.

ABSTRACT: Behavioral stress responses allow animals to quickly adapt to local environments and are critical for survival. Stress responses provide an ideal model for investigating the evolution of complex behaviors due to their conservation across species, critical role in survival, and integration of behavioral and physiological components. The Mexican cavefish (Astyanax mexicanus) has evolved dramatically different stress responses compared to river-dwelling surface fish morphs, providing a model to investigate the neural and evolutionary basis of stress-like responses. Surface morphs inhabit predator-rich environments whereas cave-dwelling morphs occupy predator-free habitats. While these key ecological variables may underlie differences in stress responses, the complexity of the behaviora

SUBMITTER: Padmanaban N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11838477 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature