The spatial memory of Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) in an analogue of the radial arm maze
Year: 1988
Type: article
Abstract: Clark’s nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) use spatial memory to recover stored food in the field. In the present experiments, an open-field analogue of the radial arm maze was developed and used to test the ability of nutcrackers to remember spatial locations. The nutcrackers showed high levels of retention after 6 h, but were close to chance levels after a 24-h retention interval. These results suggest that nutcrackers may use different spatial memory systems under different conditions. After long retention intervals, nutcrackers performed more accurately than pigeons tested by other experimenters using similar procedures. This raises the possibility of species differences in spatial memory, although much more research will be required to resolve this important issue.
Source: Lincoln (University of Nebraska)
Authors: Russel P. Balda, Alan C. Kamil
Institution: Northern Arizona University
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2239285770