Learning By Embryos And The Ghost Of Predation Future

Is stress always negative for embryos? We found that embyonic exposure to stressful stimuli can be important to their survival.


When we exposed amphibian (salamander) embryos to predator odours, juveniles showed low levels of activity compared to controls and hid in vegetation; these behaviours often provide protection from predators.


In addition, we used associative learning techniques to train frog embryos so that the tadpoles would later recognize a novel scent as indicating danger.


Therefore, embryos can assimilate information about risk in their environment and modify their behavior as juveniles so that it protects them from some hazards.


Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences


Proceedings B is the Royal Society's flagship biological research journal, dedicated to the rapid publication and broad dissemination of high-quality research papers, reviews and comment and reply papers. The scope of journal is diverse and is especially strong in organismal biology.


Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences