Navigational experience affect cognition: Spatial learning capabilities in captive and wild-born tuco-tucos

IRIBARNE, J; BRACHETTA, V.; ZENUTO, R.; KITTLEIN, M; SCHLEICH, C.E.

Behavioural Processes

Elsevier B.V.

Año: 2023 vol. 214

There is a growing recognition of the influence of both genetic and ecological context in shaping differentcognitive traits. The hippocampal region is identified as a critical area for memory and learning in mammals,susceptible to modification by environmental influences. Although previous studies have identified the effects ofvarious factors on cognitive parameters during early development, comparatively few research was conducted onwild species to analyze the role of natural environmental stimuli in the formation of spatial learning and memoryabilities. Thus, to assess the importance of exposure to a complex and challenging environment during earlydevelopment, we compared spatial learning performance of captive-born tuco-tucos with previous data obtainedin our laboratory from wild-born adult tuco-tucos. The results showed that wild-born individuals learned faster,requiring less time to complete a labyrinth and making fewer errors than those who had no experience in theirnatural environment. These findings underscore the importance of considering ecological factors in understandingthe evolution of brains and cognitive abilities.