Compensatory Growth Impairs Adult Cognitive Performance
Author Information
Author(s): Michael O. Fisher, Ruedi G. Nager, Pat Monaghan
Primary Institution: University of Glasgow
Hypothesis
Does compensatory growth following poor early nutrition negatively affect cognitive performance in adulthood?
Conclusion
The level of compensatory growth after a period of poor nutrition is linked to long-term negative effects on cognitive function.
Supporting Evidence
- The speed of learning in adult zebra finches was negatively correlated with the level of compensatory growth.
- Birds that experienced a nutritional deficit but grew quickly later performed poorly on learning tasks.
- Learning speed was not influenced by the early diet itself or the amount of early growth depression.
Takeaway
If baby birds don't get enough food early on but then grow quickly later, they might not learn as well when they grow up.
Methodology
Zebra finch siblings were raised on different diets for 20 days, then tested for learning performance in adulthood.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from not controlling all variables related to the birds' upbringing.
Limitations
The study may not account for all environmental factors affecting cognitive performance.
Participant Demographics
Zebra finches, specifically same-sex sibling pairs.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website