Behaviors are the ultimate expression of the nervous system. Thus, understanding the evolution and manifestation of innate behaviors requires a neurogenetic approach. How do changes in genetic architecture and global gene expression result in changes in neuronal connectivity?

Does this involve changes in neural connectivity or changes in synaptic strengths?

What is the exact nature of the forces that result in changes in allele frequencies; for example, what would be the contribution of drift relative to positive selection?

Could balancing selection contribute to the stabilization of allelic networks, while maintaining some variation to confer plasticity as environmental conditions evolve?

Whereas many species (e.g., birds or ants) build elaborate nests, the nest structures can differ widely among them. Could nest building per se be viewed as an overarching behavior that can be accomplished through the stabilization of multiple allelic networks within a common genomic signature?