Data from: Complex economic behavior patterns are constructed from finite, genetically controlled modules of behavior

Complex ethological behaviors could be constructed from finite modules that are reproducible functional units of behavior. Here, we test this idea for foraging and develop methods to dissect rich behavior patterns in mice. We uncover discrete modules of foraging behavior reproducible across different strains and ages, as well as nonmodular behavioral sequences. Modules differ in terms of form, expression frequency, and expression timing and are expressed in a probabilistically determined order. Modules shape economic patterns of feeding, exposure, activity, and perseveration responses. The modular architecture of foraging changes developmentally, and different developmental, genetic, and parental effects are found to shape the expression of specific modules. Dissecting modules from complex patterns is powerful for phenotype analysis. We discover that both parental alleles of the imprinted Prader-Willi syndrome gene Magel2 are functional in mice but regulate different modules. Our study found that complex economic patterns are built from finite, genetically controlled modules.Foraging Feature and Module Expression data - Dataset 1This file contains the foraging feature and module expression data for each C57BL6/J, F1cb, F1bc and Cast mouse tested in our study.featurePLUSmoduleDataForEachMouse_B6F1cbF1bcCast.txtForaging Feature and Module Expression data - Dataset 2Foraging feature and module expression data for the Magel2 mouse lines analyzed in the study.featurePLUSmoduleDataForEachMouse_Magel2.txtForaging Assay Protocola detailed description of how to build the foraging arenas and perform the assay as described in our paperProtocol.zi