Cichlids are known for their highly evolved and adaptive behavior.(Photo: Eawag)
A study by the University of Bern shows that East African cichlids that were exposed to a change of food in their nursery show significantly better cognitive performance as adults. The researchers were thus able to demonstrate experimentally for the first time that a single striking change in environmental conditions has positive effects on intelligence. Altered environmental conditions evoke cognitive performance enhancement in young cichlids later in life. Alexander Kotrschal and Barbara Taborsky of the Institute of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Bern demonstrate this in their study. This is not only the first experimental proof that a changeable nursery can have positive effects on the intelligence of adult cichlids, but also that a single, striking change in environmental conditions is sufficient for this. The results of In their experiment, the researchers provided young cichlids with much or little food during rearing. After halftime, some of the animals experienced a switch between these two feeding conditions.
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