Conspicuousness of Prey Retards Reversal of Learned Avoidance

Abstract

Several studies have shown that contrast between a prey item and its background facilitates avoidance learning. The present experiment tested whether contrast would lead to more rapid reversal of an acquired avoidance response, should a predator encounter a series of palatable mimics after learning to avoid an unpalatable model. Domestic chicks were allowed to peck once at unpalatable blue or green crumbs on a blue or green background, and were then exposed to palatable crumbs of the same colour on the same background. Latency to peck at the palatable «mimics» was greater for contrasting prey, confirming that contrast favours stronger avoidance learning