Comparative learning and evolution.

Abstract

268learning phenomenon. Typical methodology involves lesions, stimulation, recording, and imaging of brain regions to determine their role in a given learning phenomenon (e.g., Volume 1, Chapter 25, this handbook). ■ ■ Neurochemical level: At this level, synaptic processes, including synaptic plasticity, are implicated in learning. Methodological manipulations include the administration of psychoactive drugs and genetic interventions (e.g., knockout strains) affecting synaptic transmission, among others (e.g., Volume 1, Chapter 23, this handbook). ■ ■ Cell-molecular level: Cellular cascades, including gene expression and protein synthesis, are necessary for learning. Its methodology includes drug and genetic manipulations that affect cellular processes involved in synaptic plasticity (e.g., Volume 1, Chapter 22, this handbook).

Exposure to humans and task difficulty levels affect wild raccoons (Procyon lotor) learning

“…There are multiple variants of learning, and this study is interested in operant learning, where the animal learns a predictive relationship between an action and an outcome ( Shettleworth, 2010 ; Griffin et al 2015 ). Sequentially, it is the ability to acquire, consolidate, and retrieve information ( Papini and Torres 2017 ). Learning permits the integration of innovations into the behavioral repertoire ( Ramsey et al 2007 ).…”