Learning by cannibalism

May 7, 2005
From: Paul K Bohlander

My friend believes that a study has been done where a sea slug was sent through a maze repeatedly until it had memorized the directions from start to finish. The sea slug was then diced up and fed to another sea slug and my "friend" claims that the second sea slug was able to find its way through the maze immediately. Please support my argument that he is simply crazy.
Lewisburg. PA,
USA

Paul K Bohlander

pbohland@bucknell.edu

Bohlander, P.K., 2005 (May 7) Learning by cannibalism. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/13724

Dear Paul,
This was first discussed on the Forum in 1999! Have a look at message #10192 which includes a link to a article where the research is discussed. It involved planarian flatworms rather than sea slugs. I guess if you believe the results and want to better yourself you should consider eating your friend.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2005 (May 7). Comment on Learning by cannibalism by Paul K Bohlander. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/13724

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Brain, behaviour and learning

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