Evolution of Learning and Memory Mechanisms

This book examines how evolution influences learning and memory processes in both human and nonhuman animals.

Mark A. Krause (Edited by), Karen L. Hollis (Edited by), Mauricio R. Papini (Edited by)

9781108487993, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 19 May 2022

400 pages
26.2 x 18.4 x 3.4 cm, 1.14 kg

Evolution of Learning and Memory Mechanisms is an exploration of laboratory and field research on the many ways that evolution has influenced learning and memory processes, such as associative learning, social learning, and spatial, working, and episodic memory systems. This volume features research by both outstanding early-career scientists as well as familiar luminaries in the field. Learning and memory in a broad range of animals are explored, including numerous species of invertebrates (insects, worms, sea hares), as well as fish, amphibians, birds, rodents, bears, and human and nonhuman primates. Contributors discuss how the behavioral, cognitive, and neural mechanisms underlying learning and memory have been influenced by evolutionary pressures. They also draw connections between learning and memory and the specific selective factors that shaped their evolution. Evolution of Learning and Memory Mechanisms should be a valuable resource for those working in the areas of experimental and comparative psychology, comparative cognition, brain–behavior evolution, and animal behavior.

Introduction to evolution of learning and memory mechanisms Mark A. Krause, Karen L. Hollis, and Mauricio R. Papini
Part I. Evolution of Learning Processes: 1. Thrive on Simplicity: An Ethological recount of learning and memory in the nematode caenorhabditis elegans Alex Yu and Catharine Rankin
2. Adaptive evolution of learning and memory in a model lineage William G. Wright
3. Learning in insects: Possibilities and perspectives Alexis L. Kriete and Karen L. Hollis
4. Experimental evolution and prepared learning Aimee Dunlap and Andreia Dexheimer
5. Evolutionary processes shaping learning ability in insects Maartje Liefting
6. Brain and spatial cognition in amphibians: Stem adaptations in the evolution of tetrapod cognition Rubén Muzio and Vern Bingman
7. Pavlovian conditioning, survival and reproductive success Mark A. Krause and Michael Domjan
8. Evolution and learning of trap avoidance by invasive birds: Theoretical considerations and empirical evidence Andrea Griffin and Marie Diquelou
9. Relational memory functions of the hippocampal pallium in teleost fish Antonia Gómez, Francisco M. Ocaña, Tamara del Águila, Fernando Rodríguez and Cosme Salas
10. Mechanisms underlying absolute and relative reward value in vertebrates Mauricio R. Papini
11. Suboptimal choice: A psycho-evolutionary perspective Patrick Anselme
12. A behavior systems approach: What it is and how to use it Francisco Silva and Kathleen Silva
13. Dissociable learning processes: A comparative perspective Barbara A. Church, Brooke N. Jackson and J. David Smith
14. Social learning strategies Rachel Kendal
15. How learning affects evolution Kevin Laland, Thomas Oudman and Wataru Toyokawa
Part II. Evolution of Memory Processes: 16. The evolution of memory as an immediate perceptual identification mechanism Michael Fanselow
17. Episodic memory in animals Jonathon Crystal
18. A hierarchical framework for quantifying complex cognition Alexandra Schnell and Nicola Clayton
19. Evolution of memory systems Johan Lind, Magnus Enquist and Stefano Ghirlanda
20. What laboratory and field approaches bring to bear for understanding the evolution of ursid cognition Jennifer Vonk
21. Distinguishing mechanisms of behavioral inhibition and self-control Michael Beran and Audrey E. Parrish
22. Metamemory and control of memory in primates Robert Hampton
23. Adaptive memory: The mnemonic value of fitness-relevant processing James Nairne and Michelle E. Coverdale
24. Remembering cheaters: The influence of social relevance on source memory Meike Kroneisen
25. Evolution of memory circuits under epigenetic regulation Ji-Song Guan
26. Constraints on learning and memory: A resolution Aaron Blaisdell and Ben Seitz
Index.

Subject Areas: Animal behaviour [PSVP], Evolution [PSAJ], Biology, life sciences [PS], Cognition & cognitive psychology [JMR]