Spatial learning and memory in the tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria)

Wilkinson, A., Chan, H.M. and Hall, G. (2007) Spatial learning and memory in the tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria). Journal of Comparative Psychology. pp. 412-418. ISSN 0735-7036

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Abstract

A single tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria) was trained in an eight-arm radial maze, with the apparatus and general procedures modeled on those used to demonstrate spatial learning in rats. The tortoise learned to perform reliably above chance, preferentially choosing baited arms, rather than returning to arms previously visited on a trial. Test sessions that examined control by olfactory cues revealed that they did not affect performance. No systematic, stereotyped response patterns were evident. In spite of differences in brain structure, the tortoise showed spatial learning abilities comparable to those observed in mammals.

Item Type:	Article
Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information:	© 2007 American Psychological Association. This is an author produced version of a paper subsequently published in Journal of Comparative Psychology. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy.
Keywords:	tortoise, Geochelone carbonaria, spatial learning, radial maze, RADIAL ARM MAZE, TURTLES, RATS
Academic Units:	The University of York > Psychology (York)
Depositing User:	Repository Officer
Date Deposited:	11 Feb 2008 15:02
Last Modified:	19 Feb 2013 11:33
Published Version:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0735-7036.121.4.412
Status:	Published
Refereed:	Yes
Related URLs:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0735-7036.121....
URI:	http://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/id/eprint/3602

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