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Earthworm individualities when facing a conflict between turn alternation and aversive learning
Tadashi Nakashima1, Hajime Mushiake1, Kazuhiro Sakamoto1,2
1Department of Physiology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan.
Biophysics and Physicobiology
|August 15, 2018
Summary
Individual personality arises from nature and nurture. In earthworms, an aversive stimulus altered turn alternation behavior, revealing simple nervous system individuality. This suggests a basis for understanding how experiences shape innate tendencies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ethology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Individuality in behavior is influenced by both genetic inheritance and environmental experiences.
- Understanding the basis of individuality is crucial for comprehending complex behaviors.
- Earthworms (Eisenia fetida) possess a simple nervous system, making them a model organism for studying fundamental neurological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of an aversive stimulus on turn alternation behavior in earthworms.
- To explore how environmental factors interact with innate tendencies in a simple nervous system.
- To examine the manifestation of individuality in response to conflict or stress.
Main Methods:
- Observing turn alternation behavior in earthworms (Eisenia fetida).
- Applying an aversive stimulus to assess behavioral changes.
- Quantifying alterations in turn alternation patterns.
Main Results:
- Three out of ten earthworms exhibited altered turn alternation behavior after stimulus exposure.
- Two worms showed deteriorated turn alternation, with one displaying anti-turn alternation.
- One worm demonstrated an enhanced tendency toward turn alternation.
Conclusions:
- Environmental stimuli can modify habitual behaviors even in organisms with simple nervous systems.
- Observed variations in response highlight the presence of individuality.
- This study provides a foundation for exploring the neurobiological underpinnings of individuality shaped by nature and nurture.
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