Topographic numerosity maps cover subitizing and estimation ranges

TY - JOUR

T1 - Topographic numerosity maps cover subitizing and estimation ranges

AU - Cai, Yuxuan

AU - Hofstetter, Shir

AU - van Dijk, Jelle

AU - Zuiderbaan, Wietske

AU - van der Zwaag, Wietske

AU - Harvey, Ben M

AU - Dumoulin, Serge O

PY - 2021/6/7

Y1 - 2021/6/7

N2 - Numerosity, the set size of a group of items, helps guide behaviour and decisions. Non-symbolic numerosities are represented by the approximate number system. However, distinct behavioural performance suggests that small numerosities, i.e. subitizing range, are implemented differently in the brain than larger numerosities. Prior work has shown that neural populations selectively responding (i.e. hemodynamic responses) to small numerosities are organized into a network of topographical maps. Here, we investigate how neural populations respond to large numerosities, well into the ANS. Using 7 T fMRI and biologically-inspired analyses, we found a network of neural populations tuned to both small and large numerosities organized within the same topographic maps. These results demonstrate a continuum of numerosity preferences that progressively cover both the subitizing range and beyond within the same numerosity map, suggesting a single neural mechanism. We hypothesize that differences in map properties, such as cortical magnification and tuning width, underlie known differences in behaviour.

AB - Numerosity, the set size of a group of items, helps guide behaviour and decisions. Non-symbolic numerosities are represented by the approximate number system. However, distinct behavioural performance suggests that small numerosities, i.e. subitizing range, are implemented differently in the brain than larger numerosities. Prior work has shown that neural populations selectively responding (i.e. hemodynamic responses) to small numerosities are organized into a network of topographical maps. Here, we investigate how neural populations respond to large numerosities, well into the ANS. Using 7 T fMRI and biologically-inspired analyses, we found a network of neural populations tuned to both small and large numerosities organized within the same topographic maps. These results demonstrate a continuum of numerosity preferences that progressively cover both the subitizing range and beyond within the same numerosity map, suggesting a single neural mechanism. We hypothesize that differences in map properties, such as cortical magnification and tuning width, underlie known differences in behaviour.

U2 - 10.1038/s41467-021-23785-7

DO - 10.1038/s41467-021-23785-7

M3 - Article

C2 - 34099735

SN - 2041-1723

VL - 12

SP - 3374

JO - Nature Communications

JF - Nature Communications

IS - 1

ER -