Artificial neural network properties associated with wiring patterns in the visual projections of vertebrates and arthropods

Tosh, C. R. and Ruxton, G. D. (2006) Artificial neural network properties associated with wiring patterns in the visual projections of vertebrates and arthropods. American Naturalist, 168(2), E38-E52. (doi: 10.1086/505769) (PMID:16874622)

Abstract

We model the functioning of different wiring schemes in visual projections using artificial neural networks and so speculate on selective factors underlying taxonomic variation in neural architecture. We model the high connective overlap of vertebrates (where networks have a dense mesh of connections) and the less overlapping, more modular architecture of arthropods. We also consider natural variation in these basic wiring schemes. Generally, arthropod networks are as efficient or more efficient in functioning compared to vertebrate networks. They do not show the confusion effect (decreasing targeting accuracy with increasing input group size), and they train as well or better. Arthropod networks are, however, generally poorer at reconstructing novel inputs. The ability of vertebrate networks to effectively process novel stimuli could promote behavioral sophistication and drive the evolution of vertebrate wiring schemes. Vertebrate networks with less connective overlap have, surprisingly, similar or superior properties compared to those with high connective overlap. Thus, the partial connective overlap seen in real vertebrate visual projections may be an optimal, evolved solution. Arthropod networks with and without whole‐cell neural connections within neural layers have similar properties. This indicates that neural connections mediated by offshoots of single cells (dendrites) may be fundamental to generating the confusion effect.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ruxton, Professor Graeme and Tosh, Dr Colin
• Authors: Tosh, C. R., and Ruxton, G. D.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: American Naturalist
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• ISSN: 0003-0147
• ISSN (Online): 1537-5323)
• Published Online: 10 July 2006

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
36420	1	A general neural-network model of the cognitive basis for the confusion effect	Graeme Ruxton	Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)	BBS/B/01790	Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine