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What is optimized in an optimal path?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 October 2013

Fraser T. Sparks
Affiliation:
Department of Cell Biology, The Robert F. Furchgott Center for Neural and Behavioral Science, State University of New York – Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203. neurosparks@gmail.comwww.neuraldynamics.cajkubie@downstate.eduhttp://coronaradiata.net
Kally C. O'Reilly
Affiliation:
Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003. kallyco@gmail.com
John L. Kubie
Affiliation:
Department of Cell Biology, The Robert F. Furchgott Center for Neural and Behavioral Science, State University of New York – Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203. neurosparks@gmail.comwww.neuraldynamics.cajkubie@downstate.eduhttp://coronaradiata.net

Abstract

An animal confronts numerous challenges when constructing an optimal navigational route. Spatial representations used for path optimization are likely constrained by critical environmental factors that dictate which neural systems control navigation. Multiple coding schemes depend upon their ecological relevance for a particular species, particularly when dealing with the third, or vertical, dimension of space.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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