Presentation Details
| Investigating two social learning strategies in embryonic Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas) Abby L Yake, Jessica L Ward. Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, USA |
Abstract
Provided that the gathered information is reliable, evolution should favor the ability of organisms to learn from others in addition to learning first-hand. Past research has demonstrated the benefits of social learning for both juveniles and adults in diverse taxa, but less is known about social learning or the extent to which it occurs during the embryonic stage. This research investigated two social learning strategies in embryonic Pimephales promelas. Previous research has shown that minnow embryos respond to environmental cues as early as 3 days-post-fertilization (dpf), and copy the behavior of others by 4 dpf under conditions of perceived risk. We investigated whether embryos copy the behavior of conspecifics based on age or show conformist copying. In experiment one, 3- and 4-day-old embryos were reared in contact with older (5 day) conspecific eggs, and both activity levels and hatching were observed. In experiment two, we measured the activity levels of focal embryos in groups that varied in the proportion of active individuals. Data collected to date suggests that embryos do not copy the behavior of older conspecifics or follow a conformist copying strategy.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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