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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
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.
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.
