No Sex-Differences in Learning Trap-Gap Problems in Zebra Finches.

ABSTRACT: Sex differences in cognition are often predicted based on ecological roles, particularly when one sex engages more extensively in specific behaviors that might be subject to selective pressure. In zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), males choose and deposit the majority of the material into the nest and might therefore exhibit enhanced physical cognition. We tested this hypothesis using the trap-gap task, a modified shape-frame matching paradigm designed to evaluate how animals assess object-hole relationships. In this task birds pulled food-containing trays attached to strings through gaps in barriers. Birds were trained on either a barrier task (choosing the correct gap size to fit a tray between barriers with different gaps) or a tray task (choosing the correct tray size between

SUBMITTER: Lambert CT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12602269 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature