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Spatial water maze learning using celestial cues by the meadow vole, Microtus pennsylvanicus
1Neuroscience Program, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Behavioural Brain Research
|March 31, 1994
Summary
Reproductive meadow voles demonstrate spatial learning in an outdoor Morris water maze using celestial cues like the sun. Their navigation performance depends on cue availability, being poorer on overcast days or when testing times shift.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral neuroscience
- Animal cognition
- Ecology
Background:
- The Morris water maze is a standard tool for assessing rodent spatial learning.
- Understanding how environmental cues influence spatial navigation is crucial for ecological relevance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatial learning and memory capabilities of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) using celestial cues.
- To determine the influence of celestial cue availability on spatial task performance in voles.
Main Methods:
- A modified outdoor Morris water maze was employed with meadow voles.
- Voles were trained to locate a submerged platform using solar and celestial cues over multiple trials daily.
- Performance was assessed under varying conditions: clear vs. overcast days and different testing times (morning vs. afternoon).
Main Results:
- Meadow voles successfully acquired and retained the spatial water maze task.
- Navigation performance was significantly impaired on overcast days compared to clear days.
- Shifting the testing time, altering celestial cue positions, also negatively impacted vole spatial navigation.
Conclusions:
- Meadow voles possess the capacity for spatial learning and memory utilizing celestial cues.
- The ecological validity of the Morris water maze is supported by these findings, highlighting the importance of environmental cues in natural navigation.