Bold and shy zebrafish vary in their use of egocentric cues to navigate a T-maze
Presenter Type
UNO Undergraduate Student
Major/Field of Study
Neuroscience
Advisor Information
Dr. Ryan Wong, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Location
CEC RM #201/205/209
Presentation Type
Poster
Poster Size
44 x 48 in.
Start Date
22-3-2024 1:00 PM
End Date
22-3-2024 2:15 PM
Abstract
Animals navigate their environment using spatial cognitive mechanisms that rely on allocentric or egocentric cues. Allocentric cues are the external features of an environment, egocentric cues are based upon the body’s orientation. Though these cues are often interinvolved in spatial cognition, they involve distinct brain regions and contribute to learning and memory in distinct ways. Evidence suggests that individuals might vary in their reliance on allocentric or egocentric strategies based on their personality types. We investigated whether bold and shy zebrafish vary in their reliance on allocentric and egocentric cues to navigate a T-maze and find a shelter. Shy individuals are less pattern bound and more likely to be attentive to the environment while bold individuals are more likely to form patterns. We expected that bold fish would rely more heavily on egocentric cues, while shy fish would rely more on allocentric cues. This study gives novel insight into cognitive differences between individuals of different personality types that influence their interactions with the environment.
Bold and shy zebrafish vary in their use of egocentric cues to navigate a T-maze
CEC RM #201/205/209
Animals navigate their environment using spatial cognitive mechanisms that rely on allocentric or egocentric cues. Allocentric cues are the external features of an environment, egocentric cues are based upon the body’s orientation. Though these cues are often interinvolved in spatial cognition, they involve distinct brain regions and contribute to learning and memory in distinct ways. Evidence suggests that individuals might vary in their reliance on allocentric or egocentric strategies based on their personality types. We investigated whether bold and shy zebrafish vary in their reliance on allocentric and egocentric cues to navigate a T-maze and find a shelter. Shy individuals are less pattern bound and more likely to be attentive to the environment while bold individuals are more likely to form patterns. We expected that bold fish would rely more heavily on egocentric cues, while shy fish would rely more on allocentric cues. This study gives novel insight into cognitive differences between individuals of different personality types that influence their interactions with the environment.