Cognitive performance is linked to survival in free-living African striped mice. Issue 1994 (8th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rochais, Celine; Schradin, Carsten; Pillay, Neville
• Is Part Of: Proceedings. Volume 290:Issue 1994(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03-08
• Subjects: cognition -- evolution -- fitness -- survival -- rodents; Biology -- Periodicals; 570.5
• DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0205
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-8452

Abstract

Abstract : Cognition is shaped by evolution and is predicted to increase fitness. However, the link between cognition and fitness in free-living animals is unresolved. We studied the correlates of cognition and survival in a free-living rodent inhabiting an arid environment. We tested 143 striped mice ( Rhabdomys pumilio ) using a battery of cognitive tests, including: (i) an attention task, (ii) two problem-solving tasks, (iii) a learning and reversal learning task, and (iv) an inhibitory control task. We related cognitive performance with days of survival. Better problem-solving and inhibitory control performance were significant correlates of survival. Surviving males showed greater reversal learning which may be related to sex-specific behavioural and life-history characteristics. Specific cognitive traits and not a composite measure of general intelligence underpins fitness in this free-living rodent population, enhancing our understanding of the evolution of cognition in non-human animals.