Population differences in
spatial learning and memory
Dr. V.A. Braithwaite
The adaptive basis of learning and memory is a
fundamental question in biology. The aim of the proposed studentship is to
determine the role of habitat on learning and memory ability in a number of
naturally found populations of three-spined stickleback. Previous work has
revealed that spatial learning and memory abilities and strategies differ
between populations of stickleback (Girvan & Braithwaite 1998). The work
proposed here will determine the mechanisms underlying these population
differences and will investigate the functional significance of different
learning and memory abilities. Learning and memory will be assessed in the
laboratory using simple spatial tasks. Where possible field trials will also be
used. Populations from a range of habitat types will be tested at different
times of the year to investigate the effects of experience and season on
spatial learning and memory ability.
References
Healy S D & Braithwaite V A (2000) Cognitive
ecology: a field of substance? Trends in Ecol & Evol 15, 22-26.
Girvan J R & Braithwaite V A (1998) Population
differences in spatial learning and memory in threespined sticklebacks.
Proceedings of the Royal Society London, Series B 265. 913-918.
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