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Visual contrast and color in rapid learning of novel patterns by chicks

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posted on 2023-06-09, 00:56 authored by S Zylinkski, Daniel Colaco OsorioDaniel Colaco Osorio
Biological communication signals often combine bright and dark colors, such as yellow and black, but it is unclear why such patterns are effective. The literature on aposematism suggests that high contrast patterns may be easily learnt or innately avoided, whereas studies of sexual signaling refer to their attractiveness or to their cost. Here, in experiments with poultry chicks trained to find food in patterned containers, we confirm that elevated contrast dramatically increases the rate of initial attack on novel stimuli, but this response is labile. The chicks pecked once at a novel unrewarded stimulus and then ignored it for at least 24h. Such single trial learning has not previously been reported for birds without a positively aversive unconditioned stimulus such as quinine. We then tested and rejected two hypotheses about the function of high contrast patterns: first that the preferential responses are due to novelty, and second that elevated contrast enhances learning about a novel color. More generally, the observations are consistent with the idea that elevated contrast attracts attention, thereby enhancing both initial responses – whether positive or negative – and the rate of learning.

Funding

Evolution and Development of Cognitive, Behavioural and Neural Lateralisation; R31X; European Union

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

The Journal of Experimental Biology

ISSN

0022-0949

Publisher

Company of Biologists

Volume

216

Page range

4184-4189

Department affiliated with

  • Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2016-04-18

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2016-04-18

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2016-04-18

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