Learned changes of feeding behavior in Aplysia in response to edible and inedible foods

Abstract

Feeding behavior in Aplysia fasciata and A. oculifera is modified by pairing the behavior with reinforcing consequences. Successful and unsuccessful attempts to transfer food from the buccal cavity to the crop act as positive and negative reinforcers, respectively. A number of changes in feeding behavior occur as a result of pairing of feeding with the negative reinforcer: feeding responses become less effective in leading to the entry of food into the buccal cavity; when food does enter the buccal cavity, it exits sooner; swallowing responses after food entry are less likely to occur; Aplysia eventually cease responding to food. Pairing successful transfer of food into the crop with feeding behavior produces opposite effects. Behavioral change is specific to pairing, as shown by lack of change when reinforcement is explicitly unpaired with feeding behavior. Behavioral change is specific to foods with a particular taste and texture; generalization to alternate foods was not observed. In spite of cessation of feeding, animals remain aroused, as shown by low response latency to alternate foods. Memory of response change persists for at least 48 hr.