An analysis of associative learning in a terrestrial mollusc

Abstract

We have recently demonstrated that asso- ciative learning can play an important role in the regulation of food selection behavior of Limax maxi- rnus, a terrestrial mollusc. The tendency of Limax to approach a normally attractive odor generated by a food source such as carrot or potato can be marked- ly reduced if exposure to that odor is paired with exposure to a bitter taste (quinidine sulfate). We now report that variables known to influence associative learning by vertebrates (the operations of a second- order conditioning procedure, blocking and US-pre- exposure) similarly influence associative learning by Limax