DNeuroRegFIG 1: Depiction of L2 and dauer noses.

DNeuroRegFIG 1: Environmental conditions control larval commitment to dauer development.

Food and pheromone signals, which antagonistically regulate dauer entry, are detected by chemosensory amphidial neurons. Pheromone is constitutively secreted and accumulates in the environment as an indicator of population density. In the upper panel, plentiful food and scarce pheromone indicate an environment suitable for reproduction. Under these conditions, larvae bypass dauer arrest and become fertile adults. In the lower panel, scarce food and abundant pheromone reflect harsh environmental conditions. Under these conditions, L1 larvae commit to dauer arrest to await conditions that are more hospitable for reproduction.

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