Effects of social and asocial learning on longevity of food-preference traditions
Article Abstract:
A study exploring the interactive effects of social and asocial learning on the longevity of food-preference traditions in Norwegian rats is described. Rats of founding colonies were trained to avoid eating an unfamiliar diet and were then released into floor enclosures containing one familiar and one unfamiliar food. The food preferences of the colonies were recorded while the founding members were replaced by new rats. It was shown that the increased opportunity for social learning decreased the stability of food preferences across generations.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
A new way to study teaching in animals: Despite demonstrable benefits, rat dams do not teach their young what to eat
Article Abstract:
A study of whether Rattus novegicus dams modify their food choices to teach their young about the safety of what they should eat and the effectiveness of such teaching is demonstrated. The results suggest that though no evidence of teaching by rat dams is found, an investigation of teaching in many vertebrate species should be permitted.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 2005
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Increased reliance on socially acquired information while foraging in risky situations?
Article Abstract:
A study conducted to analyze the influence of socially acquired information on the food preferences in Norway rats, Rattus norvegicus is discussed.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 2006
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Ultrasonic vocalizations and social learning of food preferences by female Norway rats
- Abstracts: Social learning of food preferences by white-tailed ptarmigan chicks. Yolk androgens and begging behavior in black-headed gull chicks: an experimental field study
- Abstracts: Development of spatial memory in occlusion-experienced domestic chicks. Suckling behavior in domestic foals and the development of abnormal oral behavior
- Abstracts: Activation of the DNA damage checkpoint and genomic instability in human precancerous lesions. Methylated lysine 79 of histone H3 targets 53BP1 to DNA double-strand breaks
- Abstracts: Sustained firing in auditory cortex evoked by preferred stimuli. Sound of silence activates auditory cortex