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Using Pharmacological Manipulation and High-precision Radio Telemetry to Study the Spatial Cognition in Free-ranging Animals

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On the 'cognitive map debate' in insect navigation.

Rüdiger Wehner¹, Thierry Hoinville², Holk Cruse³

¹Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.

Studies in History and Philosophy of Science

|October 24, 2023

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Insects like ants and bees navigate using decentralized networks, not just instinct. Research shows their strategies evolve within their ecological context and can be simulated without complex cognitive maps.

Keywords:

Ants Bees Cognitive map Insect navigation Landmark guidance Neural network model Path integration

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Area of Science:

Animal Behavior
Neuroethology
Insect Navigation

Background:

The debate on insect navigation centers on cognitive maps versus decentralized networks.
Historical interpretations incorrectly align network hypothesis proponents with instinct-based theories.

Purpose of the Study:

To challenge the historical categorization of the decentralized network hypothesis in insect navigation.
To assert that network-based navigation is not solely based on instinct or peripheral processing.

Main Methods:

Drawing on biocybernetics and insect behavioral ecology.
Analyzing experimental results from ants and bees.
Simulating navigational strategies.

Main Results:

Insect navigation strategies are shaped by their ecological environment.
Ant and bee navigation can be explained without invoking metric cognitive maps.
The network hypothesis is supported by empirical data and simulations.

Conclusions:

The decentralized network hypothesis for insect navigation is ecologically grounded and cybernetically informed.
Re-evaluation of historical debates is needed to accurately represent current research.
Complex cognitive maps are not necessary to explain observed insect navigation behaviors.