title: An age-related deficit in spatial-feature reference memory in homing pigeons (Columba livia).
abstract: Age-related memory decline in mammals has been well documented. By contrast, very little is known about memory decline in birds as they age. In the current study we trained younger and older homing pigeons on a reference memory task in which a goal location could be encoded by spatial and feature cues. Consistent with a previous working memory study, the results revealed impaired acquisition of combined spatial-feature reference memory in older compared to younger pigeons. Following memory acquisition, we used cue-conflict probe trials to provide an initial assessment of possible age-related differences in cue preference. Both younger and older pigeons displayed a similarly modest preference for feature over spatial cues.
authors.affiliation: Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, United States; J.P. Scott Center for Neuroscience, Mind and Behavior, Bowling Green, OH, United States. Electronic address: vcoppol@bgsu.edu.
authors.forename: Vincent J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Coppola
authors.affiliation: Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, United States.
authors.forename: Mary E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Flaim
authors.affiliation: Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, United States.
authors.forename: Samantha N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Carney
authors.affiliation: Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, United States; J.P. Scott Center for Neuroscience, Mind and Behavior, Bowling Green, OH, United States.
authors.forename: Verner P
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Bingman
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D000818:Animals; D010856:Columbidae; D003463:Cues; D011581:Psychological Tests; D065852:Spatial Memory
keywords: Aging; Columba livia; Learning and memory