The mind of a predatory worm

Widespread neural connectivity changes underlie a behavioral switch between worm species.

In a recent perspective piece, the editors of Science discuss a study on the complete neural connectomes of two related nematode worm species, Caenorhabditis elegans and the predatory Pristionchus pacificus. The original research, which was featured in the same issue, suggests that the dramatic switch in feeding behaviour from a bacteria-eating worm to a predatory one is not due to a simple change in a few synaptic connections. Instead, the behaviour is a result of extensive changes to synaptic connections, growth patterns, and cell death throughout the connectome.

The original study highlights that understanding the causal feedback between molecular, cellular, and network changes is critical to understanding such a behavioural shift. It also introduces the concept of "neural circuit drift," where the underlying neural network can change without altering the behavioural output.

To read the perspective article, please visit: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adz5889.