Learning flexibility in naked mole-rats (\kur{Heterocephalus glaber})

Dominic DUDEK

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This study investigated associative and reversal learning of distinct olfactory cues using 39 individuals of highly social subterranean rodents, the naked mole-rats (Heterocephalus glaber). In a series of tasks I found that most individuals demonstrated learning, while a subset of individuals fell short in meeting the learning criterion. Furthermore, I found no significant differences in learning outcomes between individuals of different family groups, age and sex.

Abstract:

This study investigated associative and reversal learning of distinct olfactory cues using 39 individuals of highly social subterranean rodents, the naked mole-rats (Heterocephalus glaber). In a series of tasks I found that most individuals demonstrated learning, while a subset of individuals fell short in meeting the learning criterion. Furthermore, I found no significant differences in learning outcomes between individuals of different family groups, age and sex.

Keywords

Animal Cognition, Associative Learning, Reversal Learning, Naked Mole-Rat, Latencies

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 8. 12. 2023

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Mgr. Vedrana Šlipogor Milli, Ph.D.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH BOHEMIA IN ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE

Faculty of Science

Master programme / field:
Ecology / Ecology