Topic: threat-evoked escape behavior

Mammals instinctively explore and form mental maps of their spatial environments. Models of cognitive mapping in neuroscience tend to depict map-learning as a process of random or biased diffusion; however, in practice, animals explore spaces using structured, purposeful, sensory-guided actions. A promising model system for probing the relationship between spontaneous exploration and spatial cognition is threat-evoked escape behavior in mice. Notably, Shamash et al. 2021 examined how mice learn routes to a shelter when the direct path is blocked by an obstacle. They found that during a 20-min