Neophobia is negatively related to reversal learning ability in females of a generalist bird of prey, the Chimango Caracara, Milvago chimango

摘要: In an ever-changing environment, the ability to adapt choices new conditions is essential for daily living and ultimately, survival. Behavioural flexibility allows animals maximise survival reproduction in novel settings by adjusting their behaviour based on specific information feedback acquired current environments. However, a growing body of evidence indicates that individual’s personality type can limit extent which individual might behave flexibly, influencing way pays attention novelty how much it collects stores, turn affects decision-making learning process. this study, behavioural generalist predator, Chimango Caracara, Milvago chimango, was analysed using reversal paradigm, focusing comparison between age classes, relation with trait, level neophobia. Due low number male individuals captured, study carried out only female birds. The results showed had no significant effect either acquisition stimulus-reward association, or capacity reversing previously learned association. Reversal response harder task these birds initial performances tasks seemed be uncorrelated each other, suggesting they involve different neural mechanisms. Contrary general pattern observed majority previous work cognition non-human animals, neophobia did not correlate associative performance both adults juveniles, yet negative relationship ability, mainly regressive phase task, two classes. Our suggest predatory lifestyle M. chimango along selective pressures environment studied play critical role degree direction linkage study.