Brain lesions in birds: effects on discrimination acquisition and reversal

Bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) with lesions of the cortex and the dorsal portion of the hyperstriatum (or " wulst") showed a considerable deficit in ability to reverse a learned discrimination between horizontal and vertical stripes. Two birds that had been run on 25 such reversals before ablation showed the same result. Lesioned birds did not, however, differ from controls in the Original acquisition of the discrimination. Analysis of performance indicated that the reversal deficit was not due to difficulties in discrimination, interference with motor ability, or lack of motivation. The deficit appeared to be based on perseveration of response to the previous positive stimulus during reversal training.