Configural learning: a higher form of learning in Lymnaea

Abstract

Events typically occur in a specific context and the ability to assign importance to this occurrence plays a significant role in memory formation and recall. When the scent of a crayfish predator (CE) is encountered in Lymnaea stagnalis strains known to be predator experienced (e.g. the W-strain), enhancement of memory formation and depression of feeding occur, which are part of a suite of anti-predator behaviours. We hypothesized that Lymnaea possess a form of higher-order conditioning, namely configural learning. We tested this by simultaneously exposing W-strain Lymnaea to a carrot food odour (CO) and predator scent (CE). Two hours later, we operantly conditioned these snails with a single 0.5 h training session in CO to determine whether training in CO results in long-term memory (LTM) formation. A series of control experiments followed and demonstrated that only the CO+CE snails trained in CO had acquired enhanced memory-forming ability. Additionally, following CE+CO pairing, CO no longer elicited an increased feeding response. Hence, snails have the ability to undergo configural learning. Following configural learning, CO becomes a risk signal and evokes behavioural responses phenotypically similar to those elicited by exposure to CE.

Keywords: Anti-predator behaviour; Higher-order learning; Lymnaea; Operant conditioning; Predator–prey interactions.