The prefrontal 'cortex' in the pigeon. Behavioral evidence
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Recording Single Neurons' Action Potentials from Freely Moving Pigeons Across Three Stages of Learning
Published on: June 2, 2014
Abstract:
In 3 pigeons ablation of the posterodorsolateral neostriatum impaired delayed alternation without affecting visual discrimination. In mammals the same selective deficit is produced by lesions in the prefrontal system. The presently ablated neostriatal region resembles the mammalian prefrontal cortex also by being richly innervated with dopaminergic fibers. This region is clearly separated from paleostriatum augmentatum and archistriatum which also have a strong dopaminergic innervation. The presence of a prefrontal cortex-like formation in a bird species raises the possibility that all higher vertebrates are equipped with this neural device.
Related Concept Videos
Behaviorism
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...
Role of Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex in Memory
Causes of Social Behavior II: Cognitive Processes
Cognition and Behavior

