The Impact of Diet on Growth and Learning in Zebra Finches
Author Information
Author(s): Kristina M. Bonaparte, Christina Riffle-Yokoi, Nancy Tyler Burley
Primary Institution: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Irvine
Hypothesis
Does variable dietary protein affect the growth duration and associative learning abilities of zebra finches?
Conclusion
Zebra finches on a high-protein diet showed better cognitive performance and larger body traits compared to those on a low-protein diet.
Supporting Evidence
- High-protein diet birds were larger in all size traits at all ages.
- High-diet birds mastered an associative learning task in fewer bouts than low-diet birds.
- Sub-adult head growth was associated with cognitive performance in adulthood.
Takeaway
Zebra finches that eat better food grow bigger and learn faster than those that eat less nutritious food.
Methodology
Zebra finches were reared on high or low protein diets, and their growth and learning performance were measured at different developmental stages.
Potential Biases
Potential biases from the controlled environment and diet manipulation.
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific species and may not generalize to all birds.
Participant Demographics
Male zebra finches reared in family groups.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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