Preliminary investigation of flexibility in learning color-reward associations in gibbons (<i>Hylobatidae</i>)

Previous studies in learning set formation have shown that most animal species can learn to learn with subsequent novel presentations being solved in fewer presentations than when they first encounter a task. Gibbons (Hylobatidae) have generally struggled with these tasks and do not show the learning to learn pattern found in other species. This is surprising given their phylogenetic position and level of cortical development. However, there have been conflicting results with some studies demonstrating higher level learning abilities in these small apes. This study attempts to clarify whether gibbons can in fact use knowledge gained during one learning task to facilitate performance on a similar, but novel problem that would be a precursor to development of a learning set. We tested 16 captive gibbons' ability to associate color cues with provisioned food items in two experiments where they experienced a period of learning followed by experimental trials during which they could potentially use knowledge gained in their first learning experience to facilitate solution I subsequent novel tasks. Our results are similar to most previous studies in that there was no evidence of gibbons being able to use previously acquired knowledge to solve a novel task. However, once the learning association was made, the gibbons performed well above chance. We found no differences across color associations, indicating learning was not affected by the particular color / reward association. However, there were variations in learning performance with regard to genera. The hoolock (Hoolock leuconedys) and siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) learned the fastest and the lar group (Hylobates sp.) learned the slowest. We caution these results could be due to the small sample size and because of the captive environment in which these gibbons were raised. However, it is likely that environmental variability in the native habitats of the subjects tested could facilitate the evolution of flexible learning in some genera. Further comparative study is necessary in order to incorporate realistic cognitive variables into foraging models

Early life differences in behavioral predispositions in two Alligatoridae species

Behavioral predispositions are innate tendencies of animals to behave in a given way without the input of learning. They increase survival chances and, due to environmental and ecological challenges, may vary substantially even between closely related taxa. These diferences are likely to be especially pronounced in long-lived species like crocodilians. This order is particularly relevant for comparative cognition due to its phylogenetic proximity to birds. Here we compared early life behavioral predispositions in two Alligatoridae species. We exposed American alligator and spectacled caiman hatchlings to three different novel situations: a novel object, a novel environment that was open and a novel environment with a shelter. This was then repeated a week later. During exposure to the novel environments, alligators moved around more and explored a larger range of the arena than the caimans. When exposed to the novel object, the alligators reduced the mean distance to the novel object in the second phase, while the caimans further increased it, indicating diametrically opposite ontogenetic development in behavioral predispositions. Although all crocodilian hatchlings face comparable challenges, e.g., high predation pressure, the effectiveness of parental protection might explain the observed pattern. American alligators are apex predators capable of protecting their offspring against most dangers, whereas adult spectacled caimans are frequently predated themselves. Their distancing behavior might be related to increased predator avoidance and also explain the success of invasive spectacled caimans in the natural habitats of other crocodilians

Unit 54 - Cadastral Records and LIS

This unit outlines the role of GIS in the management of land surveys and records and cadastral information. It describes the origin of cadastral data and use of land records for taxation purposes, illustrated with examples from Prince William County, Virginia, Louisville/Jefferson County, Kentucky and Los Angeles County California. The concept of a Land Information System (LIS) is defined and described, and applications for LISs in urban and regional planning, community development, public works, utilities, schools, and emergency response are highlighted

Unit 54 - Cadastral Records and LIS

This unit outlines the role of GIS in the management of land surveys and records and cadastral information. It describes the origin of cadastral data and use of land records for taxation purposes, illustrated with examples from Prince William County, Virginia, Louisville/Jefferson County, Kentucky and Los Angeles County California. The concept of a Land Information System (LIS) is defined and described, and applications for LISs in urban and regional planning, community development, public works, utilities, schools, and emergency response are highlighted