Visually guided primate predation: A computational neuroethology of visual search and targeting in a complex, natural environment
Abstract
We aim to elucidate the neural computations supporting high resolution, dynamic visual search in complex naturalistic environments. Ultimately, we wish to answer how primates take motion and form information from the sensory environment and take fast, precise, and coordinated action. Here, we will study how individual marmoset monkeys perform impressive acts of hunting insects within natural, 3 dimensional, and dynamic environments. We will combine 3D motion capture and scene measurements with large scale electrophysiological recordings to support computational analysis of the complex environment, the rich goal directed behaviors within that environment, and the links between the two. We will perform a suite of spatially wide scale and more targeted neurophysiological assays that can be deployed in naturalistic conditions and in synthetic environments. By focusing on environments that have natural structure and complexity, the expected results should enrich our understanding of target search and detection, phenomena that are typically probed with simplified stimuli that allow for targeting of a single mechanism but which can sidestep the actual challenges posed by natural complexity. By also studying behaviors that are multifaceted and which in turn continuously affect the incoming sensory data, the expected results should also provide insight into how more natural exploration and targeting behaviors are implemented by the brain.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2022
- Source ID
- FA95501910357
Entities
People
- Alexander C. Huk
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Texas at Austin