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Elasmobranch cognitive ability: using electroreceptive foraging behaviour to demonstrate learning, habituation and
Joel A Kimber1, David W Sims, Patricia H Bellamy
1Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, UK, joel@cmacsltd.co.uk.
Animal Cognition
|April 27, 2013
Summary
Small-spotted catsharks demonstrate learning and habituation in response to electric fields, improving foraging efficiency. However, their memory retention beyond three weeks was limited, impacting learned behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Animal cognition
- Neuroethology
Background:
- Top marine predators require cognitive skills for dynamic environments.
- Elasmobranch cognitive abilities, particularly in elasmobranchs, are understudied despite large brain sizes.
- Assessing elasmobranchs' ability to differentiate electric fields is crucial for environmental impact assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the learning and memory capabilities of elasmobranchs using electroreceptive foraging behavior in the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula).
- To determine if elasmobranchs can learn to improve foraging efficiency and adapt behaviorally to electric stimuli.
- To assess the duration of memory retention for learned behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Operant conditioning with positive reinforcement was used to train catsharks to respond to artificial electric fields (Efields).
- Rewarded catsharks were compared to unrewarded catsharks to assess learning and habituation.
- Behavioral responses and foraging efficiency were analyzed before and after a 3-week interval to evaluate memory.
Main Results:
- Positive reinforcement significantly altered catshark foraging behavior, with rewarded sharks showing increased interest and improved efficiency in locating and biting electrodes.
- Unrewarded sharks exhibited habituation, with responses decreasing over time, but showed limited changes in other foraging parameters.
- Learned behavioral adaptations were not retained after the 3-week interval, indicating limited long-term memory.
Conclusions:
- Small-spotted catsharks possess learning and habituation abilities, demonstrating rapid behavioral adaptation to electric stimuli within a few foraging events.
- The study suggests a memory window of 12 hours to 3 weeks for learned behaviors in this species.
- These cognitive abilities have implications for understanding elasmobranch ecology and their interaction with anthropogenic electric field sources.
