Genetical Constraints on Early Learning: A Perspective from Sexual Imprinting in Birds

Author(s):  
Klaus Immelmann
2003 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans-Joachim Bischof

Abstract Sexual imprinting is an early learning process by which a young animal acquires information which will help in choosing a sexual partner. It consists of two separate phases, an acquisition phase where features of the social environment are learnt, and a stabilisation phase in which, guided by the previously acquired social information, a preference for a sexual partner is established and stabilised, such that it cannot be altered subsequently. The stabilisation process is short and can be controlled experimentally. This review summarises research on the neural events accompanying consolidation in those brain areas which have previously been identified as important for imprinting. It shows that the period during which consolidation can occur can be shifted only within a certain time window, and demonstrates the fast adjustment of spine densities within the imprinting areas after consolidation has started. It further suggests that long term potentiation (LTP) and long term depression (LTD)-like mechanisms may be involved in this learning process, and that the immediate early genes ZENK and c-fos are expressed within the relevant imprinting areas in the course of consolidation. Evidence is presented for a prominent role of the lateral neostriatum in the imprinting process, and also for the involvement of the hippocampus in this type of early learning.


Behaviour ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 128 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 15-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Ratcliffe ◽  
P. Boag ◽  
S. Shackleton ◽  
R. Weisman ◽  
D. Weary

AbstractSexual preferences of adult zebra finches are influenced by early learning of parental characteristics. We studied how imprinting affects the preference of female zebra finches for male beak colour. The beaks of male and female parents were painted, 2-3 days before hatch and thereafter until the young were fledged, as follows: male red, female orange (R-O group); male orange, female red (O-R group); both male and female red (R-R group); or both male and female orange (O-O group). Females were raised by painted parents until 35 days, then visually isolated from other birds until test at 100 days. In 4-way choice tests using red- and orange-painted stimulus males, females from Groups O-R and R-O chose males with beaks painted the same colour as their father's beak, whereas females from Groups R-R and O-O did not. We conclude that preference for male beak colour was acquired only by females reared by parents with unlike, discriminative, beak colours. The results suggest an associative learning basis for sexual imprinting.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
RK Magalhães ◽  
M Dinis-Ribeiro ◽  
MJ Bruno ◽  
R Marcos-Pinto ◽  
C Rolanda ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 590-607
Author(s):  
Marta Nidia Maia

Este texto está centrado no processo e estratégias de pesquisa de tese de doutorado já defendida. Seu objetivo é apresentar os caminhos trilhados para elaboração da tese que trata do Currículo da Educação Infantil e sua relação com datas comemorativas. Propôs-se a ouvir sujeitos envolvidos no cotidiano desse currículo – profissionais e crianças. A pesquisa é um exercício de compreensão do particular como forma de apreensão do real, olhando a especificidade como parte de um todo no qual se insere e representa. Os indícios encontrados no campo específico da pesquisa, dizem respeito a ele, mas não só. Dizem respeito à totalidade que o produz, aos sistemas, às escolas, aos sujeitos implicados com a Educação Infantil e seu currículo.  Palavras-chave:Pesquisa – Currículo – Educação Infantil This text is centered in the process and doctoral thesis research strategies already advocated. Your goal is to present the paths for the preparation of the thesis dealing with the curriculum of early childhood education and its relationship with anniversaries. It was proposed to hear those involved in the daily curriculum that - professionals and children. The research is a particular understanding of the exercise as real apprehension so, looking at the specificity as part of a whole in which it operates and is. The evidence found in the specific field of research, relate to it, but not only. They relate to all the produce, systems, schools, the subjects involved with the Children's Education and curriculum. Key words:Search - Curriculum - Early Learning                         


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document