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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
11:14
Assay for Neural Induction in the Chick Embryo
Published on: February 13, 2009
Innate sensitivity for self-propelled causal agency in newly hatched chicks
Elena Mascalzoni1, Lucia Regolin, Giorgio Vallortigara
1Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, I-35131 Padua, Italy.
Summary
Newly hatched chicks prefer self-propelled objects, suggesting an innate brain mechanism for detecting animacy. This supports an evolutionarily ancient predisposition for recognizing animate versus inanimate entities.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Comparative Cognition
Background:
- The distinction between animate and inanimate objects is fundamental to brain function.
- Sensitivity to self-produced motion may underpin this distinction.
- Infant studies suggest sensitivity to animacy emerges early, but its origin (innate vs. learned) is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the innate predisposition for detecting animacy in newly hatched animals.
- To determine if sensitivity to self-propelled motion is present before extensive experience with animate objects.
Main Methods:
- Presentation of visually naïve, newly hatched domestic chicks with objects.
- Objects exhibited either self-produced motion or motion caused by physical contact.
- Behavioral observation of chicks' preference to associate with specific object types.
Main Results:
- Chicks demonstrated a clear preference for associating with objects exhibiting self-propelled motion.
- This preference was observed even in the absence of prior visual experience.
- No preference was shown for objects moved by external physical contact.
Conclusions:
- The findings support an evolutionarily ancient, innate neural mechanism for animacy detection in vertebrates.
- Self-produced motion serves as a critical cue for distinguishing animate from inanimate entities from birth.
- This predisposition aids in navigating the environment and interacting with animate beings.
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