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Inexperienced newborn chicks use geometry to spontaneously reorient to an artificial social partner
Author(s) -
Chiandetti Cinzia,
Spelke Elizabeth S.,
Vallortigara Giorgio
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
developmental science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.801
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1467-7687
pISSN - 1363-755X
DOI - 10.1111/desc.12277
Subject(s) - psychology , imprinting (psychology) , orientation (vector space) , process (computing) , object (grammar) , task (project management) , cognitive psychology , geometric shape , communication , artificial intelligence , computer science , geometry , biology , mathematics , biochemistry , management , gene , economics , operating system
Abstract A fundamental process underlying navigation behaviour, shown to occur in every species tested, uses geometric properties of the environment for location memory and orientation. Here we employ a new method to ask whether this basic geometric orientation ability is innately predisposed in the brain or depends on specific experiences navigating in a geometrically rich environment. Using the newborn domestic chick as a model system, we present a working memory task testing reorientation towards a filial imprinting object under rigorous controlled rearing conditions. In the absence of any previous exposure to a geometrically rich environment, newly hatched chicks spontaneously recovered their bearings by making use of distances and directional relations to reorient themselves to an artificial social partner. These findings provide evidence for an innate capacity to navigate by the geometric structure of the environment.