After the subject has learned the discrimination, the reinforcement contingencies are reversed, meaning that now the choice of the previous S− is rewarded, whereas the choice of the previous S+ is not reinforced anymore. 2007), or to discriminate between two stimuli of any sensory modality, such as to discriminate two visual stimuli. The discrimination task can either require the animal to choose one location over another, such as when choosing one arm in a Y- or T-maze in a spatial experiment (Langbein 2012 Smart 1976 Van der Borght et al. At the beginning of a reversal learning (RL) experiment, the subject has to learn a discrimination task with one stimulus being defined as the positive stimulus (S +), whose choice is reinforced, whereas the choice of the second stimulus, defined as negative stimulus (S−), is not reinforced. Flexibility in behavior is particularly important for animals such as pinnipeds that inhabit highly variable environments and consequently need to effectively cope with or adapt to changes to optimize behaviors, avoid long learning phases, and, ultimately, to survive.Ī classic paradigm to examine behavioral flexibility is to analyze an animal’s performance in a serial reversal learning (SRL) experiment. In addition to effectively dealing with novel stimuli, it might occasionally be important to change ones behavior in respect to familiar stimuli that were already associated with a specific behavior. The numerous studies conducted so far have documented that, for example, harbor seals can easily learn demanding tasks, such as to classify novel stimulus pairs as either “same” or “different” (Scholtyssek et al. The cognitive and sensory abilities of pinnipeds have been subject of extensive investigation (Cook et al. Future experiments will need to assess whether factors such as the modality addressed in the experiment have an influence on reversal learning performance or whether indeed, during evolution, behavioral flexibility has not specifically been favored in harbor seals.Ĭognition includes processes such as (sensory) perception, learning, and memory, as well as decision making, and problem solving (Shettleworth 2010). In conclusion, harbor seals can master an SRL experiment however, the performance is inferior to results obtained in other vertebrates in comparable tasks. Two seals mastered two reversals, while one animal had difficulties in learning the discrimination task and failed to complete a single reversal. One individual was able to solve 37 reversals showing progressive improvement of performance with a minimum of 6 errors in reversal 33. We found significant individual differences in performance. Thus, we tested four harbor seals in a visual two-alternative forced-choice discrimination task and its subsequent reversals. Particularly in pinnipeds, a high degree of behavioral flexibility seems probable as they face a highly variable environment in air and underwater. Although the cognitive and sensory abilities of marine mammals have been subject of extensive investigation, and numerous vertebrate and invertebrate species were tested, SRL studies in aquatic mammals are sparse. Four new fish make their debut in Goldfish Aquarium 2, however each of our previous goldfish have been updated to our latest high standards.Progressively improving performance in a serial reversal learning (SRL) test has been associated with higher cognitive abilities and has served as a measure for cognitive/behavioral flexibility. Major improvements in technology will gather the most attention in our latest update of Goldfish Aquarium, including our stunning new toys and reflections. Goldfish Aquarium 2 contains three new tanks and four new fish. Goldfish Aquarium 2 features several major improvements over our previous version. It must be downloaded and seen to be believed. Dynamic backgrounds, realistic fish movement, amazing animation are the latest enhancements to this visually stunning line of Entertainment Software. Building upon and improving the technology first demonstrated in Marine Aquarium, Goldfish Aquarium demonstrates the latest look and capabilities of your computer. Goldfish Aquarium is the first product released by Prolific Publishing, Inc. Please download and try our software products before you purchase them. Prolific Publishing, Inc. :: Screen Savers :: Goldfish Aquarium 2.0 - WindowsĪll sales are final. If Javascript is disabled in your browser click here
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