Coordination between binocular field and spontaneous self-motion specifies the efficiency of planarians’ photo-response orientation behavior

Eyes show remarkable diversity in morphology among creatures. However, little is known about how morphological traits of eyes affect behaviors. Here, we investigate the mechanisms responsible for the establishment of efficient photo-response orientation behavior using the planarian Dugesia japonica as a model. Our behavioral assays reveal the functional angle of the visual field and show that the binocular field formed by paired eyes in D. japonica has an impact on the accurate recognition of the direction of a light source. Furthermore, we find that the binocular field in coordination with spontaneous wigwag self-motion of the head specifies the efficiency of photo-responsive evasive behavior in planarians. Our findings suggest that the linkage between the architecture of the sensory organs and spontaneous self-motion is a platform that serves for efficient and adaptive outcomes of planarian and potentially other animal behaviors.