Zhen, Dolly W.2017-10-122017-10-122017https://hdl.handle.net/1794/2291243 pages. A thesis presented to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree of Bachelor of Science, Spring 2017In mammalian brains, there are two areas that process information important for image formation and goal directed visual behavior: primary visual cortex (V1), and the superior colliculus (SC). However, it is unclear how these regions support visually driven orienting and approach behaviors towards naturally rewarding stimuli. In this study, we seek to identify how the SC directs visual behavior using a mouse model of prey-capture behavior. Here, we investigate whether natural prey-capture behavior in mice is affected when regions of SC are silenced through injections of the GABAA-R agonist, muscimol, and through the use of pharmacogenetics known as DREADDs. We found that inhibition of the SC decreases the accuracy of approaches to prey and increases time to capture. Our studies so far indicate that inhibition of SC impairs ethological prey-capture behavior in mice. An understanding of the specific circuitry underlying visually guided behaviors directed towards rewarding stimuli will give insight into neurological disorders such as PTSD and addiction, where processes of orienting and approach are affected.en-USCreative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0-USNeural circuitsSuperior colliculusPrey captureMouseVisual processingBehaviorThesis/Dissertation