Marine Mammal Cognition
Working memory in Orcinus orca
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Introduction
During the universitary year 98-99, Katia Nadalin, trainer in the Antibes's Marine Park, welcomed me in her "Working Memory in Orcinus orca" research. This project (unfortunately) not drived to the end is a good example of what a Matching to sample protocol could be. The goal of the experiment was to quantify the capacity of Orcinus orca working memory and then, get an information to compare with other species.
Subject
The study was carried out with Freya an orca female of 24 years old and 5.80 meters long, residing in the Antibes's Marine Park (France) since 1983. She is dominating in a hierarchy composed of four other individuals (2 males- 26 years and 2 years; 2 females- 23 years and 6 years).
Apparatus
The stimuli were blue geometric figures (round, square) similar in size, staying vertically on the edge of the pool.
Procedure
A) Matching to sample
Freya was trained to choose between to geometric figures. She was reward with fish when she was chosing the geometric figure previously presented by the trainer (sample).
B) Working memory
The project didn't reach this level.
An interval should have been progressively introduced between the presentation of the model and the Freya's choice. One admits that the limits of the working memory are attained when the animal commits more than 30% of errors.
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