This paper, "The basal ganglia: A vertebrate solution to the selection problem?" by P. Redgrave, T.J. Prescott, and K. Gurney, explores the role of the basal ganglia in resolving conflicts over access to limited motor and cognitive resources. The authors propose that the basal ganglia have evolved as a centralized selection mechanism to manage the selection of competing systems, particularly in vertebrates. They argue that this mechanism is essential for efficient behavior and can be understood through both top-down and bottom-up analyses. The paper begins by defining the selection problem, which arises when multiple competing systems seek access to a restricted resource. It then discusses various selection architectures and their advantages, highlighting the benefits of a centralized selection mechanism over distributed or emergent mechanisms. The authors propose that the basal ganglia, with their specific anatomical and functional characteristics, are well-suited to serve as a central selection device. Key points include: - The basal ganglia receive extensive input from various brain regions, including the cerebral cortex, thalamus, and limbic system. - The basal ganglia output to the motor plant, allowing for the inhibition or disinhibition of motor commands. - The basal ganglia can support winner-take-all functionality, ensuring rapid and decisive switching between competing inputs. - Contextual and evaluative inputs can influence the salience of competing command systems, aiding in the selection process. - Dopaminergic neurotransmission plays a crucial role in regulating the frequency and timing of behavioral selections and can interrupt ongoing behavior to favor new actions. The authors conclude that the basal ganglia's architecture and function align with the requirements for an efficient selection mechanism, suggesting that they are a vertebrate solution to the selection problem.This paper, "The basal ganglia: A vertebrate solution to the selection problem?" by P. Redgrave, T.J. Prescott, and K. Gurney, explores the role of the basal ganglia in resolving conflicts over access to limited motor and cognitive resources. The authors propose that the basal ganglia have evolved as a centralized selection mechanism to manage the selection of competing systems, particularly in vertebrates. They argue that this mechanism is essential for efficient behavior and can be understood through both top-down and bottom-up analyses. The paper begins by defining the selection problem, which arises when multiple competing systems seek access to a restricted resource. It then discusses various selection architectures and their advantages, highlighting the benefits of a centralized selection mechanism over distributed or emergent mechanisms. The authors propose that the basal ganglia, with their specific anatomical and functional characteristics, are well-suited to serve as a central selection device. Key points include: - The basal ganglia receive extensive input from various brain regions, including the cerebral cortex, thalamus, and limbic system. - The basal ganglia output to the motor plant, allowing for the inhibition or disinhibition of motor commands. - The basal ganglia can support winner-take-all functionality, ensuring rapid and decisive switching between competing inputs. - Contextual and evaluative inputs can influence the salience of competing command systems, aiding in the selection process. - Dopaminergic neurotransmission plays a crucial role in regulating the frequency and timing of behavioral selections and can interrupt ongoing behavior to favor new actions. The authors conclude that the basal ganglia's architecture and function align with the requirements for an efficient selection mechanism, suggesting that they are a vertebrate solution to the selection problem.