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Environmental Complexity and Research Outcomes
Kathleen R Pritchett-Corning1,2
1Office of Animal Resources, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
ILAR Journal
|June 20, 2020
Summary
Environmental complexity offers significant benefits for animal welfare and cognitive function. Thoughtful design of complex environments is crucial for research and housing, promoting natural behaviors and improving learning and memory.
Area of Science:
- Animal Behavior
- Neuroscience
- Animal Welfare Science
Background:
- Environmental complexity is used in research and housing for animals.
- It can stimulate brain development and delay cognitive decline.
- Complexity influences behavior, potentially mitigating problems and improving welfare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted role of environmental complexity in animal research and welfare.
- To highlight the benefits of complexity for cognitive function and behavior.
- To provide guidelines for designing and evaluating complex environments.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental uses of environmental complexity.
- Analysis of its impact on brain development, behavior, and welfare.
- Consideration of design principles for complex environments.
Main Results:
- Environmental complexity can enhance learning, memory, and brain development.
- It elicits naturalistic behaviors and may improve animal welfare.
- Complexity can influence behavioral problems and provide a sense of control.
Conclusions:
- Thoughtful design of complex environments is essential.
- Environments should align with species-typical behaviors.
- Careful evaluation for unintended effects is necessary for responsible implementation.
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