Extended Data Figure 8: Temporary rescaling versus permanent change in grid symmetry.
From: Grid cell symmetry is shaped by environmental geometry
a, Expected rescaling of a grid cell (left) in a rectangle (middle). The number of grid fields stay the same (n = 10 fields) but the fields become more elliptical and farther apart along the x direction. After a few days of experience the fields converge to their initial size and shape, and the number of grid fields increases (right). The grid symmetry on the left and right belong to the same sixfold symmetry group (that is, hexagonal symmetry). b, Place cell response to rescaling of the environment. The place field initially becomes more elliptical (middle) and finally remaps to a random location (or stops firing altogether) as the animal becomes more experienced. c, Expected change in grid symmetry as the animal goes from square (a, left) to trapezoid if the change in pattern occurred due to the rescaling of the environment. Note that the number of fields remains unchanged. d, As the environment becomes more familiar the grid cell pattern should converge to hexagonal symmetry and the number of fields would increase. In general we did not observe this in our data. e, Instead, grid symmetry became more elliptical (not grid fields) and the scale increased towards the narrow side of the trapezoid.
