Inhibitory control and memory in the search process for a modified problem in grey squirrels, Sciurus carolinensis.

ABSTRACT: Inhibiting learned behaviours when they become unproductive and searching for an alternative solution to solve a familiar but different problem are two indicators of flexibility in problem solving. A wide range of animals show these tendencies spontaneously, but what kind of search process is at play behind their problem-solving success? Here, we investigated how Eastern grey squirrels, Sciurus carolinensis, solved a modified mechanical problem that required them to abandon their preferred and learned solution and search for alternative solutions to retrieve out-of-reach food rewards. Squirrels could solve the problem by engaging in either an exhaustive search (i.e., using trial-and-error to access the reward) or a 'backup' solution search (i.e., recalling a previously successful but non-p

SUBMITTER: Chow PKY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6687685 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature