1 Citation 245 Views 11 Downloads
Whether learning primarily reflects general processes or species-specific
challenges is a longstanding matter of dispute. Here we present a
comprehensive analysis of public information use (PI-use) in sticklebacks
(Gasterosteidae). PI-use is a form of social learning by which animals are
able to assess the relative quality of resources, here prey patches, by
observing the behaviour of others. PI-use was highly species-specific with
only two of the assayed species, Pungitius spp. and their closest relative
Culaea inconstans showing evidence of PI-use. We saw no effects of
ontogenetic experience upon PI-use in P. pungitius. Experiments with live
demonstrators and animated fish revealed that heightened activity and
feeding strikes by foraging conspecifics are important cues in the
transmission of PI. Finally, PI-use was the only form of learning in which
P. pungitius and another stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus differed.
PI-use in sticklebacks is species-specific and may represent an
‘ecological specialisation’ for social foraging. Whether this reflects
selection on perception, attentional or cognitive processes remains to be
determined.
245 views reported since publication in 2019.