Modification of behavior by experience. False dichotomy: Learning Modification of behavior by experience. False dichotomy: innate vs learned. All behavior depends on some kind experience. Learning mechanisms are evolved facultative adaptations. How many?

Classical conditioning (Pavlov)

Classical conditioning (Pavlov) Temporal Contiguity: food is presented when the bell is rung (US is presented whenever CS is)

Temporal contiguity is neither necessary nor sufficient for learning to occur!

Background rate (Rescorla) Classical conditioning Temporal contiguity not sufficient for learning

Background rate (Rescorla) Classical conditioning Function: Does event A cause event B?

Temporal contiguity not necessary for learning.

Hummingbirds are better at shift learning than stay learning. Why? Is this general?

Food- vs. water-deprived rats in a T-maze

Learning is many adaptations! Example 1: Bird migration. Compass-based, but how do they learn the compass?

Learning is many adaptations! Example 1: Bird migration. Compass-based, but how do they learn the compass?

Learning is many adaptations! Example 1: Bird migration. Compass-based, but how do they learn the compass? What reliable cues are available?

Learning is many adaptations! Example 2: Vector summing in desert ants. Problem: find the way home in a featureless environment.

Reliable proprioceptive cues

Learning depends on the demands and structure of the world. Sex differences? Spatial learning? Navigational needs might differ by sex (or not) depending on mating system.

Learning depends on the demands and structure of the world. Sex differences?