Variation in reversal learning by three generalist mesocarnivores
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ORIGINAL PAPER
Variation in reversal learning by three generalist mesocarnivores Lauren A. Stanton1,2 · Eli S. Bridge3 · Joost Huizinga4 · Shylo R. Johnson5 · Julie K. Young6 · Sarah Benson‑Amram1,2 Received: 2 March 2020 / Revised: 25 September 2020 / Accepted: 29 September 2020 © Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2020
Abstract Urbanization imposes novel challenges for wildlife, but also provides new opportunities for exploitation. Generalist species are commonly found in urban habitats, but the cognitive mechanisms facilitating their successful behavioral adaptations and exploitations are largely under-investigated. Cognitive flexibility is thought to enable generalists to be more plastic in their behavior, thereby increasing their adaptability to a variety of environments, including urban habitats. Yet direct measures of cognitive flexibility across urban wildlife are lacking. We used a classic reversal-learning paradigm to investigate the cognitive flexibility of three generalist mesocarnivores commonly found in urban habitats: striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and coyotes (Canis latrans). We developed an automated device and testing protocol that allowed us to administer tests of reversal learning in captivity without extensive training or experimenter involvement. Although most subjects were able to rapidly form and reverse learned associations, we found moderate variation in performance and behavior during trials. Most notably, we observed heightened neophobia and a lack of habituation expressed by coyotes. We discuss the implications of such differences among generalists with regard to urban adaptation and we identify goals for future research. This study is an important step in investigating the relationships between cognition, generalism, and urban adaptation. Keywords Behavioral adaptation · Comparative cognition · Carnivore · Flexibility · Generalism · Urbanization
Introduction
Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-020-01438-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. * Lauren A. Stanton [email protected] 1
Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
2
Program in Ecology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
3
Oklahoma Biological Survey, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
4
OpenAI, San Francisco, CA, USA
5
USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
6
USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research Center - Predator Research Facility, Millville, UT, USA
Urbanization is rapidly changing the planet and has been linked to extinctions and evolutionary change in organisms across the globe (Pimm et al. 2014; Alberti et al. 2016). Given the projected biodiversity loss stemming from urbanization (Seto et al. 2012), understanding the mechanisms that affect a species’ propensity to avoid or adapt to urban habitats remains a priority for conservation and urban
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