Comparative Aspects of Learning and Memory

Koch, Michael

doi:10.1002/9781118316757.ch14

Cited by 1 publication

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“…On a cellular or molecular level, the principles of learning and cognition may have profound similarities throughout the animal kingdom (e.g. Pearson 1993 ; Koch 2017 ; Schlegel et al 2017 ; Dyer et al 2019 ). Examining and understanding the fundamental processes in arthropods that are decisive for complex behaviours is a unique opportunity to unravel mechanisms and neuronal circuits that might be used by other (more derived) animals, including humans.…”

Section: Perspectives In Arthropod Cognition Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Arthropod spatial cognition

Pfeffer

Wolf

2020

Anim Cogn

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The feats of arthropods, and of the well-studied insects and crustaceans in particular, have fascinated scientists and laymen alike for centuries. Arthropods show a diverse repertoire of cognitive feats, of often unexpected sophistication. Despite their smaller brains and resulting lower neuronal capacity, the cognitive abilities of arthropods are comparable to, or may even exceed, those of vertebrates, depending on the species compared. Miniature brains often provide parsimonious but smart solutions for complex behaviours or ecologically relevant problems. This makes arthropods inspiring subjects for basic research, bionics, and robotics. Investigations of arthropod spatial cognition have originally concentrated on the honeybee, an animal domesticated for several thousand years. Bees are easy to keep and handle, making this species amenable to experimental study. However, there are an estimated 5–10 million arthropod species worldwide, with a broad diversity of lifestyles, ecology, and cognitive abilities. This high diversity provides ample opportunity for comparative analyses. Comparative study, rather than focusing on single model species, is well suited to scrutinise the link between ecological niche, lifestyle, and cognitive competence. It also allows the discovery of general concepts that are transferable between distantly related groups of organisms. With species diversity and a comparative approach in mind, this special issue compiles four review articles and ten original research reports from a spectrum of arthropod species. These contributions range from the well-studied hymenopterans, and ants in particular, to chelicerates and crustaceans. They thus present a broad spectrum of glimpses into current research on arthropod spatial cognition, and together they cogently emphasise the merits of research into arthropod cognitive achievements.

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Section: Perspectives In Arthropod Cognition Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%