Hunger vs Thirst — Homeostatic Arbitration Lab

Two competing action pools · Wilson–Cowan rate model · attractor landscape warped by need, effort & predation risk
IF +0.00 · IW +0.00 t = 0.0 τ

① Phase plane

Each point is a joint firing state (rF, rW) of the two action pools; arrows show where it flows next. Click/drag to move the state, hover to preview its fate.

② Nullclines & fixed points

Amber: ṙF = 0. Cyan: ṙW = 0. Where they cross nothing changes — a fixed point. ● attractor = a stable choice; ◇ saddle = a tipping point.

③ Separatrix & basins

Dashed white curves flow into the saddles and split the plane into basins of attraction: start on one side, end in that side's choice. Need, distance and risk bend them.

④ Energy landscape

The dynamics on one axis (Water ← → Food). Valleys = attractors, crests = saddles. Hunger tilts it toward food; risk lifts that side. Noise jiggles the marble.

⑤ Try this

Preset 3: thirst beats hunger, yet the forager stays. Raise risk at food past ≈0.62 → it flees to water. Drop it to 0 → it doesn't return: hysteresis.

Phase plane(rF, rW)click or drag to place the state · hover to preview its fate
What to watch
Load a preset, or drag the sliders and watch fixed points appear, merge and vanish. The amber and cyan curves are the nullclines; attractors sit where they cross.
Layers
● attractor  ◇ saddle  ○ repeller
┄┄ separatrix  ━/━ nullclines
▭ corner boxes = decision zones ⓘ
Fixed points
Trial burst
Press “Burst ×20” to release 20 animals from the burrow.
Current state
rF0rW0x = rF−rW0
—
Effective energy landscapedecision axis x = rF − rW