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Comparison of Neural Circuit
Comparison of a neural circuit activated by a small, quick cue versus a large one in zebrafish larvae.
Small, prey-like items elicit a quick response from zebrafish larvae, as excitatory brain cells fire. However, large visual stimulus covering the zebrafish's field of vision fires off inhibitory cells, and the zebrafish responds less to it. This mechanism allows the zebrafish to have a good hunting response to the appropriate visual cues, and not bite off more than it can chew.
This image accompanied NSF press release
"The Zebrafish's Neural Circuit Prevents It From Biting Off More Than It Can Chew."
Credit: Zina Deretsky, National Science Foundation
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