Slope-based and geometric encoding of a goal location by the terrestrial toad, Rhinella arenarum

The current study was designed to test for the ability of terrestrial toads, Rhinella arenarum, to use slope as source of spatial information to locate a goal, and investigate the relative importance of slope and geometric information for goal localization. Toads were trained to locate a single, wat...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Sotelo, María Inés, Bingman, Verner Peter, Muzio, Ruben Nestor
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2017
País:Argentina
Institución:Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas
Repositorio:CONICET Digital (CONICET)
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:ri.conicet.gov.ar:11336/54433
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/11336/54433
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Amphibians
Spatial Cognition
Vertical Navigation
Slope
https://purl.org/becyt/ford/5.1
https://purl.org/becyt/ford/5
https://purl.org/becyt/ford/1.6
https://purl.org/becyt/ford/1
Descripción
Sumario:The current study was designed to test for the ability of terrestrial toads, Rhinella arenarum, to use slope as source of spatial information to locate a goal, and investigate the relative importance of slope and geometric information for goal localization. Toads were trained to locate a single, water-reward goal location in a corner of rectangular arena placed on an incline. Once the toads learned the task, three types of probe trials were carried out to determine the relative use of slope and geometric information for goal localization. The probe trials revealed that the toads were able to independently use slope, and as previously reported, geometry to locate the goal. However, the boundary geometry of the experimental arena was found to be preferentially used by the toads when geometric and slope information were set in conflict.