Contextual regularity and complexity of neuronal activity: From stand‐alone cultures to task‐performing animals

Precursors of the superior information processing capabilities of our cortex can most probably be traced back to simple invertebrate systems. Using a unique set of newly developed neuronal preparations and state‐of‐the‐art analysis tools, we show that insect neurons have the ability to self‐regulate the information capacity of their electrical activity. We characterize the activity of a distinct population of neurons under progressive levels of structural and functional constraints: self‐formed networks of neuron clusters in vitro ; isolated ex vivo ganglions; in vivo task‐free, and in vivo task‐forced neuronal activity in the intact animal. We show common motifs and identify trends of increasing self‐regulated complexity. This important principle may have played a key role in the gradual transition from simple neuronal motor control to complex information processing.