Complexity Digest 2003.09 - 07

03-Mar-2003

From Swimming To Walking: A Single Basic Network For Two Different Behaviors, Biol. Cybernetics Bookmark and Share

Abstract: In this paper we consider the hypothesis that the spinal locomotor network controlling trunk movements has remained essentially unchanged during the evolutionary transition from aquatic to terrestrial locomotion. Two distinct inputs were identified which reproduced the main features of the swimming and walking motor patterns in the newt. (...)a nonuniform distribution of these stretch receptors along the trunk can explain the discontinuities exhibited in the swimming pattern of the newt. Thus, separate limb pattern generators can influence the original network controlling axial movements (...) via a mechanical coupling between trunk and limbs, which in turn influences the sensory signals sent back to the network.