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Proto-arithmetic abilities in zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Davide Potrich1, Lorenza Montel1, Gionata Stancher2

  • 1CIMeC, Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, 38068, Rovereto, (TN), Italy.

Heliyon
|December 13, 2024
PubMed
Summary

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) can distinguish between small quantities, showing proto-arithmetic skills for "1 vs. 2" comparisons. Their numerical abilities are limited to small amounts and influenced by stimulus presentation.

Keywords:
ArithmeticNumber senseNumerousnessQuantityZebrafish

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Ethology
  • Comparative Cognition

Background:

  • Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are increasingly used to study numerical cognition.
  • Developing efficient behavioral assays is crucial for this research model.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate spontaneous proto-arithmetic and quantity discrimination in zebrafish.
  • Utilize zebrafish shoaling behavior for novel behavioral tasks.

Main Methods:

  • Preference choice tests using live female conspecifics as stimuli.
  • Sequential disappearance of stimuli behind opaque panels.
  • Varying set sizes for quantity comparisons (e.g., 1 vs. 2, 2 vs. 3, 2 vs. 4).

Main Results:

  • Zebrafish successfully discriminated "1 vs. 2" quantities.
  • Performance failed in "2 vs. 3" and "2 vs. 4" comparisons.
  • Evidence suggests understanding of addition, subtraction, and the "empty set" concept within a limit of three elements.
  • Stimulus velocity and presentation (sequential/simultaneous) impacted quantity preference.

Conclusions:

  • Zebrafish exhibit basic quantity discrimination and proto-arithmetic abilities.
  • Numerical processing in zebrafish is constrained by set size and stimulus parameters.
  • Findings contribute to understanding the evolution of numerical cognition.