Leg position learning by an insect: II. Motor strategies underlying learned leg extension.

The patterns of myographic activity in the flexor and extensor tibiae muscles of the locust which accompany learned tibial extension were examined. Three distinct motor strategies were identified: (1) repeated flexion-extension movements, each of which resulted in a momentary excursion beyond the required, pre-set joint angle (demand angle) and in sum met the criterion for learning; (2) changes in basic muscle tonus, which resulted in maintained shifts in tibial position without discernible myographic activity; (3) tonic activity in the single slow excitatory motoneuron of the extensor tibiae ( SETi ) which produced maintained tibial extension. These strategies were selectively employed depending on the particular range of joint angle required. These strategies were compared and their effectiveness evaluated using a variety of behavioral criteria. Neuronal mechanisms which might underlie each of these strategies are discussed.