Behavior needs neural variability

Human and non- human animal behavior is highly malleable and adapts successfully to internal and external demands. Such behavioral success stands in striking contrast to the apparent instability in neural activity (i.e., variability) from which it arises. Here, we summon the considerable evidence across scales, species, and imaging modalities that neural variability represents a key, undervalued dimension for understanding brain-behavior relationships at inter- and intra-individual levels. We believe that only by incorporating a specific focus on variability will the neural foundation of behavior be comprehensively understood.

Automated summary

Human and non-human animal behavior is highly adaptable to internal and external demands despite neural activity variability. Understanding brain-behavior relationships requires a specific focus on neural variability to comprehensively grasp the neural foundation of behavior.