Operant escape learning in decerebrate duck embryos.

Trained 192 Peking duck embryos (Anas platythynchos) in an operant escape task on Day 25 of incubation (total incubation period of 27 days) following decerebration on Day 24. Experimental embryos successfully acquired the operant response, which involved the performance of a discrete foot flexion to terminate a shock applied to the wing. The decerebrate embryos resembled normal unoperated embryos of this age in their acquisition of the operant behavior. Results demonstrate that this form of learning can be acquired without benefit of telencephalic structures, at least at this point in development. Differences in the consequences of decerebration during prenatal or neonatal vs adult stages are discussed. (13 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)