Neuroethology of spatial learning: The birds and the bees

Author(s): Robinson, G. E., Fahrbach, S. E.

Journal/Book: Annu Rev Psychol. 1999; 50: 4139 El Camino Way, PO Box 10139, Palo Alto, CA 94303-0139, USA. Annual Reviews Inc. 651-682.

Abstract: The discipline of neuroethology integrates perspectives from neuroscience, ethology, and evolutionary biology to investigate the mechanisms underlying the behavior of animals performing ecologically relevant tasks. One goal is to determine if common organizational principles are shared between nervous systems in diverse taxa. This chapter selectively reviews the evidence that particular brain regions subserve behaviors that require spatial learning in nature. Recent evidence suggests that the insect brain regions known as the mushroom bodies may function similarly to the avian and mammalian hippocampus. Volume changes in these brain regions during the life of an individual may reflect both developmental and phylogenetic trends. These patterns may reveal important structure-function relationships in the nervous system.

Note: Review Capaldi EA, Univ Illinois, Dept Entomol, 320 Morrill Hall, Urbana,IL 61801 USA

Keyword(s): animal navigation; Apis mellifera; corpora pedunculata; food-storing birds; hippocampus; orientation; FOOD-STORING BIRDS; BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES; DIVISION-OF-LABOR; NAVIGATION EN-ROUTE; MUSHROOM BODIES; HIPPOCAMPAL VOLUME; HONEY-BEES; CACHE RECOVERY; COGNITIVE MAPS; PLACE CELLS

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