Maze learning and memory in a decapod crustacean

Davies, R.M.; Gagen, Mary; Bull, James C.; Pope, Edward C.

doi:10.1098/rsbl.2019.0407

Cited by 23 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…T-shaped mazes have been widely used to assess spatial memory in rodents ( Shoji et al, 2012 ; Wenk, 2001 ) and odor preference in invertebrate models ( Davies et al., 2019 ), like Drosophila melanogaster ( Tully and Quinn, 1985 ; Yamaguchi et al., 2010 ). Surprisingly, they have been used in very few studies on C. elegans navigational ability ( Pandey et al., 2011 ) and overall behavior ( Oliver et al., 2016 ; Qin and Wheeler, 2007 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Caenorhabditis elegans learning in a structured maze is a multisensory behavior

et al. 2021

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Summary We show that C. elegans nematodes learn to associate food with a combination of proprioceptive cues and information on the structure of their surroundings (maze), perceived through mechanosensation. By using the custom-made Worm-Maze platform, we demonstrate that C. elegans young adults can locate food in T-shaped mazes and, following that experience, learn to reach a specific maze arm. C. elegans learning inside the maze is possible after a single training session, it resembles working memory, and it prevails over conflicting environmental cues. We provide evidence that the observed learning is a food-triggered multisensory behavior, which requires mechanosensory and proprioceptive input, and utilizes cues about the structural features of nematodes' environment and their body actions. The CREB-like transcription factor and dopamine signaling are also involved in maze performance. Lastly, we show that the observed aging-driven decline of C. elegans learning ability in the maze can be reversed by starvation.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Caenorhabditis elegans learning in a structured maze is a multisensory behavior

et al. 2021

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“…Shore crabs are opportunistic generalists that live at the interface of two biotopes, marine and terrestrial ( Jacoby, 1981 ). They are adept at learning complex tasks ( Tomsic and Romano, 2013 ), such as maze learning ( Davies et al, 2019 ), organizing ‘ad hoc’ collaborative actions, establishing social status ( Kaczer et al, 2007 ; Tanner and Jackson, 2012 ), and retaining acquired motor skills ( Hughes and O'Brien, 2001 ). Operant conditioning and the retention of contextual memories suggest considerable intelligence ( Abramson and Feinman, 1990 ; Pereyra et al, 1999 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Shore crabs reveal novel evolutionary attributes of the mushroom body

Strausfeld

Sayre

2021

eLife

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Neural organization of mushroom bodies is largely consistent across insects, whereas the ancestral ground pattern diverges broadly across crustacean lineages resulting in successive loss of columns and the acquisition of domed centers retaining ancestral Hebbian-like networks and aminergic connections. We demonstrate here a major departure from this evolutionary trend in Brachyura, the most recent malacostracan lineage. In the shore crab Hemigrapsus nudus, instead of occupying the rostral surface of the lateral protocerebrum, mushroom body calyces are buried deep within it with their columns extending outwards to an expansive system of gyri on the brain’s surface. The organization amongst mushroom body neurons reaches extreme elaboration throughout its constituent neuropils. The calyces, columns, and especially the gyri show DC0 immunoreactivity, an indicator of extensive circuits involved in learning and memory.

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“…They have a high salinity and temperature tolerance, a high reproductive rate, and a long larval stage (Roman and Palumbi, 2004). They were able to transfer learnt prey handling techniques to novel prey items (Hughes and O'Brien, 2001) and were good spatial learners when tested in a complex maze (Davies et al, 2019). Invasive green crabs were also better at spontaneous alternation behavior compared to native blue crabs.…”

Section: Comparison Of Cognitive Performance Among Invasive Vs Nativmentioning

confidence: 99%

Can Cognitive Ability Give Invasive Species the Means to Succeed? A Review of the Evidence

2020

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Invasive species are a global conservation problem that have an enormous economic cost. Understanding the attributes of invasive species and what makes them successful at colonizing and flourishing in novel environments is therefore essential for preventing and ameliorating their negative impact. Learning ability and behavioral flexibility-the ability to adjust behavior flexibly when conditions change including to learn to solve novel problems or existing problems in a novel way, are thought to play a key role during invasions although cognitive ability is rarely considered in studies of invasive species. We begin by reviewing the evidence that flexible learning and problem solving can influence invasion success in both invertebrates and vertebrates. We also review brain size as an index of cognitive ability with respect to invasion success. We then focus on the specific attributes of cognition that are likely to be important for species entering novel environments as they learn the location of resources (e.g., food, shelter), and as they encounter and interact with conspecifics, heterospecifics, and potential predators. We suggest that enhanced spatial learning ability in conjunction with behavioral flexibility are likely to be adaptive. Furthermore, good memory retention and the ability to learn from others (both conspecifics and heterospecifics) are beneficial. Finally, we suggest future directions for studying the link between cognition, fitness, and invasion success. Studies of closely related "invasive" and "non-invasive" species, as well as invasive populations and their source, should provide important baseline information about the potential role of cognitive ability in determining invasion success. We also advocate an experimental approach. In particular, we borrow methods from experimental evolutionary ecology. We suggest that experimental studies in which potential invasive species can be assayed for behavior and their cognitive ability measured prior to population-level release on small islands will help inform us about the potential role of cognitive ability in determining the fitness of invasive species. The idea that cognitive ability may determine invasion success is only now starting to gain traction. This is a rich field worthy of further study that will help us better understand what makes a successful invasive species.

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Maze learning and memory in a decapod crustacean

Cited by 23 publications

References 31 publications

Caenorhabditis elegans learning in a structured maze is a multisensory behavior

Caenorhabditis elegans learning in a structured maze is a multisensory behavior

Shore crabs reveal novel evolutionary attributes of the mushroom body

Can Cognitive Ability Give Invasive Species the Means to Succeed? A Review of the Evidence

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