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Hults CM, Francis RC, Clint EK, Smith W, Sober ER, Garland T, Rhodes JS. Still little evidence sex differences in spatial navigation are evolutionary adaptations. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:231532. [PMID: 38234440 PMCID: PMC10791541 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
A putative male advantage in wayfinding ability is the most widely documented sex difference in human cognition and has also been observed in other animals. The common interpretation, the sex-specific adaptation hypothesis, posits that this male advantage evolved as an adaptive response to sex differences in home range size. A previous study a decade ago tested this hypothesis by comparing sex differences in home range size and spatial ability among 11 species and found no relationship. However, the study was limited by the small sample size, the lack of species with a larger female home range and the lack of non-Western human data. The present study represents an update that addresses all of these limitations, including data from 10 more species and from human subsistence cultures. Consistent with the previous result, we found little evidence that sex differences in spatial navigation and home range size are related. We conclude that sex differences in spatial ability are more likely due to experiential factors and/or unselected biological side effects, rather than functional outcomes of natural selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor M. Hults
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois, 603 E. Daniel St., Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | | | - Edward K. Clint
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Oregon Institute of Technology, Klamath Falls, OR, USA
| | - Winter Smith
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Oregon Institute of Technology, Klamath Falls, OR, USA
| | - Elliott R. Sober
- Department of Philosophy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Theodore Garland
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Justin S. Rhodes
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois, 603 E. Daniel St., Champaign, IL 61820, USA
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2
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Sprecher M, Sprecher SG, Spadavecchia C. A pilot investigation of the efficacy and safety of magnesium chloride and ethanol as anesthetics in Loligo vulgaris embryos. Front Physiol 2022; 13:968047. [PMID: 36388114 PMCID: PMC9641376 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.968047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The inclusion of cephalopods in the legislation related to the use of animals for experimental purposes has been based on the precautionary principle that these animals have the capacity to experience pain, suffering, distress, and lasting harm. Recent studies have expanded this view and supported it. Handling cephalopod mollusks in research is challenging and whenever more invasive procedures are required, sedation and/or anesthesia becomes necessary. Therefore, finding adequate, safe, and effective anesthetics appears mandatory. Several substances have been considered in sedating cephalopods, in some instances applying those utilized for fish. However, species-specific variability requires more detailed studies. Despite long-lasting experience being linked to classic studies on squid giant axons, evidence of action on putative anesthetic substances is scarce for Loligo vulgaris and particularly for their embryos. The aim of the current study was to evaluate effects elicited by immersion of squid embryos in anesthetic solutions and examine whether these forms display a similar reaction to anesthetics as adults do. Different concentrations of ethanol (EtOH; 2, 2.5, and 3%) and magnesium chloride (MgCl2; 1, 1.5, and 1.8%) were tested by adopting a set of indicators aimed at exploring the physiological responses of squid embryos. Forty-two embryos of the common squid Loligo vulgaris (stages 27-28) were assigned to three conditions (EtOH, MgCl2, and controls) and video recorded for 15 min (5 min before, 5 min during, and 5 min after immersion in the anesthetic solutions). In each group, the heart rate, respiratory rate, buoyancy, chromatophore activity, and tentacles/arms responses were assessed to evaluate the embryos' vitality and responsiveness to stimulation. Both substances provoked a decrease in heart and respiratory rates and inhibited buoyancy, chromatophores, and tentacles/arms responses; no adverse effects were observed. EtOH had a faster onset of action and faster recovery than MgCl2, being potentially more adequate as an anesthetic for shorter procedures. Even though MgCl2 caused a longer muscle relaxation, the reversibility was not confirmed for the 1.8% concentration; however, lower concentrations triggered similar results as the ones obtained with the highest EtOH concentrations. We have shown that the late developmental stages of Loligo vulgaris embryos could represent a good model to evaluate anesthetics for cephalopods since they can display similar reactions to anesthetics as adults animals do.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Sprecher
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Simon G. Sprecher
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Spadavecchia
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Anaesthesiology and Pain Therapy Section, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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3
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Albers J, Reichert MS. Personality affects individual variation in olfactory learning and reversal learning in the house cricket, Acheta domesticus. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Abstract
It is always difficult to even advance possible dimensions of consciousness, but Birch et al., 2020 have suggested four possible dimensions and this review discusses the first, perceptual richness, with relation to octopuses. They advance acuity, bandwidth, and categorization power as possible components. It is first necessary to realize that sensory richness does not automatically lead to perceptual richness and this capacity may not be accessed by consciousness. Octopuses do not discriminate light wavelength frequency (color) but rather its plane of polarization, a dimension that we do not understand. Their eyes are laterally placed on the head, leading to monocular vision and head movements that give a sequential rather than simultaneous view of items, possibly consciously planned. Details of control of the rich sensorimotor system of the arms, with 3/5 of the neurons of the nervous system, may normally not be accessed to the brain and thus to consciousness. The chromatophore-based skin appearance system is likely open loop, and not available to the octopus’ vision. Conversely, in a laboratory situation that is not ecologically valid for the octopus, learning about shapes and extents of visual figures was extensive and flexible, likely consciously planned. Similarly, octopuses’ local place in and navigation around space can be guided by light polarization plane and visual landmark location and is learned and monitored. The complex array of chemical cues delivered by water and on surfaces does not fit neatly into the components above and has barely been tested but might easily be described as perceptually rich. The octopus’ curiosity and drive to investigate and gain more information may mean that, apart from richness of any stimulus situation, they are consciously driven to seek out more information. This review suggests that cephalopods may not have a similar type of intelligence as the ‘higher’ vertebrates, they may not have similar dimensions or contents of consciousness, but that such a capacity is present nevertheless.
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Cultural Change Reduces Gender Differences in Mobility and Spatial Ability among Seminomadic Pastoralist-Forager Children in Northern Namibia. HUMAN NATURE-AN INTERDISCIPLINARY BIOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVE 2021; 32:178-206. [PMID: 33886079 DOI: 10.1007/s12110-021-09388-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental cognitive function found across a wide range of species and necessary for survival is the ability to navigate complex environments. It has been suggested that mobility may play an important role in the development of spatial skills. Despite evolutionary arguments offering logical explanations for why sex/gender differences in spatial abilities and mobility might exist, thus far there has been limited sampling from nonindustrialized and subsistence-based societies. This lack of sampling diversity has left many unanswered questions regarding the effects that environmental variation and cultural norms may have in shaping mobility patterns during childhood and the development of spatial competencies that may be associated with it. Here we examine variation in mobility (through GPS tracking and interviews), performance on large-scale spatial skills (i.e., navigational ability), and performance on small-scale spatial skills (e.g., mental rotation task, Corsi blocks task, and water-level task) among Twa forager/pastoralist children whose daily lives have been dramatically altered since settlement and the introduction of government-funded boarding schools. Unlike in previous findings among Twa adults, boys and girls (N = 88; aged 6-18) show similar patterns of travel on all measures of mobility. We also find no significant differences in spatial task performance by gender for large- or small-scale spatial skills. Further, children performed as well as adults did on mental rotation, and they outperformed adults on the water-level task. We discuss how children's early learning environments may influence the development of both large- and small-scale spatial skills.
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Billard P, Clayton NS, Jozet-Alves C. Cuttlefish retrieve whether they smelt or saw a previously encountered item. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5413. [PMID: 32214190 PMCID: PMC7096502 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62335-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the Source Monitoring Framework, the origin of a memory is remembered through the retrieval of specific features (e.g. perceptive, sensitive, affective signals). In two source discrimination tasks, we studied the ability of cuttlefish to remember the modality in which an item had been presented several hours ago. In Experiment 1, cuttlefish were able to retrieve the modality of presentation of a crab (visual vs olfactory) sensed before 1 h and 3 hrs delays. In Experiment 2, cuttlefish were trained to retrieve the modality of the presentation of fish, shrimp, and crabs. After training, cuttlefish performed the task with another item never encountered before (e.g. mussel). The cuttlefish successfully passed transfer tests with and without a delay of 3 hrs. This study is the first to show the ability to discriminate between two sensory modalities (i.e. see vs smell) in an animal. Taken together, these results suggest that cuttlefish can retrieve perceptual features of a previous event, namely whether they had seen or smelled an item.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Billard
- Normandie Univ, Unicaen, CNRS, EthoS, 14000, Caen, France.
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, EthoS (Éthologie animale et humaine) - UMR 6552, F-35000, Rennes, France.
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK.
| | - N S Clayton
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
| | - C Jozet-Alves
- Normandie Univ, Unicaen, CNRS, EthoS, 14000, Caen, France
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, EthoS (Éthologie animale et humaine) - UMR 6552, F-35000, Rennes, France
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7
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Molina-García L, Barrios A. Sex differences in learning — shared principles across taxa. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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9
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Why Go There? Evolution of Mobility and Spatial Cognition in Women and Men : An Introduction to the Special Issue. HUMAN NATURE-AN INTERDISCIPLINARY BIOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVE 2017; 27:1-15. [PMID: 26768735 DOI: 10.1007/s12110-015-9253-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Males in many non-monogamous species have larger ranges than females do, a sex difference that has been well documented for decades and seems to be an aspect of male mating competition. Until recently, parallel data for humans have been mostly anecdotal and qualitative, but this is now changing as human behavioral ecologists turn their attention to matters of individual mobility. Sex differences in spatial cognition were among the first accepted psychological sex differences and, like differences in ranging behavior, are documented for a growing set of species. This special issue is dedicated to exploring the possible adaptive links between these cognitive and ranging traits. Multiple hypotheses, at various levels of analysis, are considered. At the functional (ultimate) level, a mating-competition hypothesis suggests that range expansion may augment mating opportunities, and a fertility-and-parental-care hypothesis suggests that range contraction may facilitate offspring provisioning. At a more mechanistic (proximate) level, differences in cue availability may support or inhibit particular sex-specific navigation strategies, and spatial anxiety may usefully inhibit travel that would not justify its costs. Studies in four different cultures-Twe, Tsimane, Yucatec Maya, and Faroese-as well as an experimental study using virtual reality tools are the venue for testing these hypotheses. Our hope is to stimulate more research on the evolutionary and developmental processes responsible for this suite of linked behavioral and cognitive traits.
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O'Brien CE, Mezrai N, Darmaillacq AS, Dickel L. Behavioral development in embryonic and early juvenile cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis). Dev Psychobiol 2016; 59:145-160. [PMID: 27714785 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Though a mollusc, the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis possesses a sophisticated brain, advanced sensory systems, and a large behavioral repertoire. Cuttlefish provide a unique perspective on animal behavior due to their phylogenic distance from more traditional (vertebrate) models. S. officinalis is well-suited to addressing questions of behavioral ontogeny. As embryos, they can perceive and learn from their environment and experience no direct parental care. A marked progression in learning and behavior is observed during late embryonic and early juvenile development. This improvement is concomitant with expansion and maturation of the vertical lobe, the cephalopod analog of the mammalian hippocampus. This review synthesizes existing knowledge regarding embryonic and juvenile development in this species in an effort to better understand cuttlefish behavior and animal behavior in general. It will serve as a guide to future researchers and encourage greater awareness of the utility of this species to behavioral science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E O'Brien
- Groupe Mémoire et Plasticité Comportementale (GMPc EA 4259), Université de Caen-Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Nawel Mezrai
- Groupe Mémoire et Plasticité Comportementale (GMPc EA 4259), Université de Caen-Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Darmaillacq
- Groupe Mémoire et Plasticité Comportementale (GMPc EA 4259), Université de Caen-Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Ludovic Dickel
- Groupe Mémoire et Plasticité Comportementale (GMPc EA 4259), Université de Caen-Normandie, Caen, France
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11
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Zwoinska MK, Lind MI, Cortazar-Chinarro M, Ramsden M, Maklakov AA. Selection on learning performance results in the correlated evolution of sexual dimorphism in life history. Evolution 2016; 70:342-57. [DOI: 10.1111/evo.12862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martyna K. Zwoinska
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolutionary Biology Centre; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
| | - Martin I. Lind
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolutionary Biology Centre; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
| | - Maria Cortazar-Chinarro
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolutionary Biology Centre; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
| | - Mark Ramsden
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolutionary Biology Centre; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
| | - Alexei A. Maklakov
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolutionary Biology Centre; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
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12
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Guigueno MF, MacDougall-Shackleton SA, Sherry DF. Sex Differences in Spatial Memory in Brown-Headed Cowbirds: Males Outperform Females on a Touchscreen Task. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128302. [PMID: 26083573 PMCID: PMC4470821 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatial cognition in females and males can differ in species in which there are sex-specific patterns in the use of space. Brown-headed cowbirds are brood parasites that show a reversal of sex-typical space use often seen in mammals. Female cowbirds, search for, revisit and parasitize hosts nests, have a larger hippocampus than males and have better memory than males for a rewarded location in an open spatial environment. In the current study, we tested female and male cowbirds in breeding and non-breeding conditions on a touchscreen delayed-match-to-sample task using both spatial and colour stimuli. Our goal was to determine whether sex differences in spatial memory in cowbirds generalizes to all spatial tasks or is task-dependant. Both sexes performed better on the spatial than on the colour touchscreen task. On the spatial task, breeding males outperformed breeding females. On the colour task, females and males did not differ, but females performed better in breeding condition than in non-breeding condition. Although female cowbirds were observed to outperform males on a previous larger-scale spatial task, males performed better than females on a task testing spatial memory in the cowbirds’ immediate visual field. Spatial abilities in cowbirds can favour males or females depending on the type of spatial task, as has been observed in mammals, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie F. Guigueno
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Advanced Facility for Avian Research, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Scott A. MacDougall-Shackleton
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Advanced Facility for Avian Research, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David F. Sherry
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Advanced Facility for Avian Research, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Tello-Ramos MC, Hurly TA, Healy SD. Female hummingbirds do not relocate rewards using colour cues. Anim Behav 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2014.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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14
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Rjeibi M, Metian M, Hajji T, Guyot T, Ben Chaouacha-Chékir R, Bustamante P. Interspecific and geographical variations of trace metal concentrations in cephalopods from Tunisian waters. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:3767-3783. [PMID: 24562415 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3656-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of six metals (Ag, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn) were investigated and compared in three tissues (arms, digestive gland, and mantle) of three cephalopod species from the Tunisian waters: the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris), the common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis), and the European squid (Loligo vulgaris). Whatever the species or the sites, the digestive gland displayed the highest concentrations of Ag, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn, highlighting its major role in their bioaccumulation and detoxification. This is also true for Hg but only for the digestive gland of O. vulgaris. Muscle from the arms and the mantle contained thus relatively low trace metal concentrations except for Hg in L. vulgaris and S. officinalis. Geographic comparison of metal concentrations in Tunisian cephalopods from three locations indicates that higher concentrations of Ag, Pb, and Hg were observed in cephalopods from northern and eastern coasts, whereas the highest Cd levels were detected in the southeastern, reflecting different conditions of exposure. Comparing the trace element concentrations between species, Ag, Cd, Cu, Hg, and Zn concentrations were the highest in the digestive gland of octopuses. This may be related to the differences in ecological features and swimming behavior among different cephalopod species. Effects of length and sex on metal levels were also considered, indicating a limited influence of sex on metal concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moncef Rjeibi
- Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Campus, Tunis, 2092, Tunisia,
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15
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Carazo P, Noble DWA, Chandrasoma D, Whiting MJ. Sex and boldness explain individual differences in spatial learning in a lizard. Proc Biol Sci 2014; 281:20133275. [PMID: 24619443 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2013.3275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding individual differences in cognitive performance is a major challenge to animal behaviour and cognition studies. We used the Eastern water skink (Eulamprus quoyii) to examine associations between exploration, boldness and individual variability in spatial learning, a dimension of lizard cognition with important bearing on fitness. We show that males perform better than females in a biologically relevant spatial learning task. This is the first evidence for sex differences in learning in a reptile, and we argue that it is probably owing to sex-specific selective pressures that may be widespread in lizards. Across the sexes, we found a clear association between boldness after a simulated predatory attack and the probability of learning the spatial task. In contrast to previous studies, we found a nonlinear association between boldness and learning: both 'bold' and 'shy' behavioural types were more successful learners than intermediate males. Our results do not fit with recent predictions suggesting that individual differences in learning may be linked with behavioural types via high-low-risk/reward trade-offs. We suggest the possibility that differences in spatial cognitive performance may arise in lizards as a consequence of the distinct environmental variability and complexity experienced by individuals as a result of their sex and social tactics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pau Carazo
- Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, , OX1 2JD, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, , Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Hu S, Xu D, Peterson B, Wang Q, He X, Hu J, Xu X, Wei N, Long D, Huang M, Zhou W, Xu W, Zhang M, Xu Y. Association of cerebral networks in resting state with sexual preference of homosexual men: a study of regional homogeneity and functional connectivity. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59426. [PMID: 23555670 PMCID: PMC3605412 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent imaging studies have shown that brain morphology and neural activity during sexual arousal differ between homosexual and heterosexual men. However, functional differences in neural networks at the resting state is unknown. The study is to characterize the association of homosexual preference with measures of regional homogeneity and functional connectivity in the resting state. Participants were 26 healthy homosexual men and 26 age-matched healthy heterosexual men in whom we collected echo planar magnetic resonance imaging data in the resting state. The sexual orientation was evaluated using the Kinsey Scale. We first assessed group differences in regional homogeneity and then, taking the identified differences as seed regions, we compared groups in measures of functional connectivity from those seeds. The behavioral significances of the differences in regional homogeneity and functional connectivity were assessed by examining their associations with Kinsey Scores. Homosexual participants showed significantly reduced regional homogeneity in the left inferior occipital gyrus, right middle occipital gyrus, right superior occipital gyrus, left cuneus, right precuneus, and increased regional homogeneity in rectal gyrus, bilateral midbrain, and left temporal lobe. Regional homogeneity correlated positively with Kinsey scores in the left inferior occipital gyrus. The homosexual group also showed reduced functional connectivity between left middle temporal gyrus, left supra-marginal gyrus, right cuneus and the seed region, i.e. left inferior occipital gyrus. Additionly, the connection between the left inferior occipital gyrus and right thalamus correlated positively with Kinsey scores. These differences in regional homogeneity and functional connectivity may contribute to a better understanding of the neural basis of male sexual orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohua Hu
- Department of Mental Health, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongrong Xu
- MRI Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Bradley Peterson
- MRI Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Qidong Wang
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofu He
- MRI Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jianbo Hu
- Department of Mental Health, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Xu
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ning Wei
- Department of Mental Health, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Long
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Manli Huang
- Department of Mental Health, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weihua Zhou
- Department of Mental Health, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weijuan Xu
- Department of Mental Health, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Minming Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Mental Health, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Huffard CL. Cephalopod neurobiology: an introduction for biologists working in other model systems. INVERTEBRATE NEUROSCIENCE 2013; 13:11-8. [PMID: 23456288 DOI: 10.1007/s10158-013-0147-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2012] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This paper concisely summarizes major aspects of cephalopod biology, behavior, and ecology providing a backdrop against which neurobiology of these animals can be interpreted. Reproduction, camouflage, motor control, memory, learning, and behavioral ecology are introduced, and thorough literature reviews of these subjects are cited for further reading. The aim of this paper is to provide a general introduction to cephalopods for use by workers currently focused on other model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine L Huffard
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Geology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA.
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18
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Dickel L, Darmaillacq AS, Jozet-Alves C, Bellanger C. Learning, Memory, and Brain Plasticity in Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-415823-8.00025-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
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19
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Clint EK, Sober E, Garland T, Rhodes JS. Male Superiority in Spatial Navigation: Adaptation or Side Effect? QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY 2012; 87:289-313. [DOI: 10.1086/668168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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20
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Can cuttlefish learn by observing others? Anim Cogn 2012; 16:313-20. [DOI: 10.1007/s10071-012-0573-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Revised: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Montiglio PO, Garant D, Pelletier F, Réale D. Personality differences are related to long-term stress reactivity in a population of wild eastern chipmunks, Tamias striatus. Anim Behav 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Tierney AJ, Andrews K. Spatial behavior in male and female crayfish (Orconectes rusticus): learning strategies and memory duration. Anim Cogn 2012; 16:23-34. [PMID: 22890833 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-012-0547-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2012] [Revised: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that animals use multiple strategies to solve spatial tasks. We used a T-maze to examine spatial behavior in crayfish, using visual and tactile stimuli as place cues and a food-scented escape tank as reinforcement to leave the maze. In trials on a single day and across multiple days, crayfish learned to exit the maze with significantly reduced latency and with fewer turns. In addition, we examined place memory in 40-min periods with the maze closed and found that crayfish spent longer in the vicinity of a previously open exit compared to a closed exit. Probe tests were conducted using a forced-choice procedure to determine whether crayfish remembered the route out of the maze using primarily place cues or response learning. We found that approximately equal numbers of animals used each strategy, and individuals were able to switch from one strategy to the other on different test days. Males and females did not differ significantly in their performance in the place memory test, maze exit task, or probe tests. Both sexes displayed place memory for the exit location and reduced latency to exit during trials 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 1 week after initial training trials, suggesting that spatial memories in crayfish are relatively enduring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Jane Tierney
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY 13346, USA.
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Influence of spatial environment on maze learning in an African mole-rat. Anim Cogn 2012; 15:797-806. [PMID: 22570181 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-012-0503-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2011] [Revised: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
In subterranean species where excavation is energetically expensive, efficient spatial navigation is vital to reducing the costs of locating important resources such as food and mates. While spatial navigational ability is positively correlated with sociality in subterranean mammals, we have a less clear understanding of the role of habitat complexity on navigational ability. We tested spatial navigational ability and memory in 12-18-month captive Natal mole-rats (Cryptomys hottentotus natalensis) maintained in a simple environment with no environmental enrichment and newly captured wild individuals from natural, complex burrow systems. In maze trials, mole-rats captured freshly from the wild made significantly fewer navigational errors, were more likely to successfully navigate the maze, travelled shorter distances and as a consequence, completed the maze in less time. Male mole-rats from both experimental treatments were more likely to complete the maze than females. Memory retention of the maze was tested on day two, seven, 30 and 60, respectively. The results were variable, although both groups showed a significant memory retention 60 days after testing. Our results highlight the potential importance of the environment (microhabitat complexity) on spatial cognitive performance in mole-rats.
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Cuttlefish rely on both polarized light and landmarks for orientation. Anim Cogn 2012; 15:591-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s10071-012-0487-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Revised: 03/15/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Vuoksimaa E, Viken RJ, Hokkanen L, Tuulio-Henriksson A, Rose RJ, Kaprio J. Are There Sex Differences in the Genetic and Environmental Effects on Mental Rotation Ability? Twin Res Hum Genet 2012; 13:437-41. [DOI: 10.1375/twin.13.5.437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Probably the most robust sex difference in cognitive abilities is that on average males outperform females in tests of mental rotation. Using twin data we tested whether there are sex differences in the magnitude of genetic and environmental effects on mental rotation test performance and whether the same or different genetic effects operate in females and males. The present study replicated the well-known male advantage in mental rotation ability. The relative proportion of variance explained by genetic effects did not differ between females and males, but interestingly, absolute additive genetic and unique environmental variances were greater in males reflecting significantly greater phenotypic variance in mental rotation test performance in males. Over half of the variance in mental rotation test performance was explained by genetic effects, which suggest that mental rotation ability is a good phenotype for studies finding genes underlying spatial abilities. Results indicate that females and males could be combined for such genetic studies, because the same genetic effects affected mental rotation test performance in females and males.
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Matsunaga W, Watanabe E. Habituation of medaka (Oryzias latipes) demonstrated by open-field testing. Behav Processes 2010; 85:142-50. [PMID: 20615458 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2010.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2010] [Revised: 06/16/2010] [Accepted: 06/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Habituation to novel environments is frequently studied to analyze cognitive phenotypes in animals, and an open-field test is generally conducted to investigate the changes that occur in animals during habituation. The test has not been used in behavioral studies of medaka (Oryzias latipes), which is recently being used in behavioral research. Therefore, we examined the open-field behavior of medaka on the basis of temporal changes in 2 conventional indexes of locomotion and position. The findings of our study clearly showed that medaka changed its behavior through multiple temporal phases as it became more familiar with new surroundings; this finding is consistent with those of other ethological studies in animals. During repeated open-field testing on 2 consecutive days, we observed that horizontal locomotion on the second day was less than that on the first day, which suggested that habituation is retained in fish for days. This temporal habituation was critically affected by water factors or visual cues of the tank, thereby suggesting that fish have spatial memory of their surroundings. Thus, the data from this study will afford useful fundamental information for behavioral phenotyping of medaka and for elucidating cognitive phenotypes in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Matsunaga
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Higashiyama 5-1, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
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Sex-specific strategies in spatial orientation in C57BL/6J mice. Behav Processes 2009; 82:249-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2009.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2008] [Revised: 07/02/2009] [Accepted: 07/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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