The amygdala is the orchestrator of the emotion positive and , negative. It influences the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus has many functions but we will focus on its role in aggression and sexuality. We are basic neuroscientists in my lab, and we want to understand some of the most fundamental questions about aggression. How is aggression, a revolutionary ancient behavior, throughout the Animal Kingdom how is that hardwired into the , brain . Where is aggression in the brain . We have studied this problem in flies and mice and were particularly interested in the relationship between the parts of the brain that control aggression and those that control mating or sexual behavior. As you know mating and , aggression are closely related behaviors. In nature you often find that periods of aggression are at their highest when animals are mating. These behaviors reinforce each other. At the same time, they are mutually exclusive. A male will direct mating towards a female of the species , agg