Classical conditioning of acorn barnacles (Semibalanus balanoides): Chemosensory responsiveness and aversive learning

Abstract

In this study we investigated the ability to associate chemosensory cues with a stressful event in the common acorn barnacle (Semibalanus balanoides). The ecological benefit of associative learning relies on accurate assessment of predictive cues. There are no reports available on experience-dependent behavioral changes in adult barnacles’ autonomic responses. We demonstrated that repetitive aversive conditioning elicited a significant increase in the retraction rate of the cirrus and closure of the operculum after presentation of a cue. These results indicate that adult acorn barnacles are able to anticipate an aversive event through associative learning.