Study Unravels the Mystery of False Memories in Cuttlefish

Memory can be a tricky thing. We often find ourselves confident in a memory that others dispute. This phenomenon isn’t just a human experience; recent research has shown that even cuttlefish can form false memories. A team of scientists from the University of Caen in France has made a groundbreaking discovery, demonstrating that cuttlefish can develop false memories. This is the first time such a phenomenon has been observed in invertebrates, as reported in the journal iScience.

The researchers conducted experiments by manipulating the visual and olfactory cues presented to the cuttlefish. The animals were introduced to three tubes: one containing shrimp, one with crab, and one empty. The cuttlefish could see the contents initially but later had to rely on patterns and smells.

The scientists aimed to confuse the cuttlefish by creating misleading scenarios. They used patterns and odors to trick the cuttlefish into thinking there were shrimp in an empty tube. Surprisingly, many cuttlefish chose the empty tube, suggesting they formed false memories.

The research indicates that cuttlefish, much like humans, can reconstruct memories in a way that may lead to inaccuracies. This ability suggests a complex memory process that might be more widespread among different species than previously thought. The occurrence of false memories in cuttlefish could be a result of convergent evolution, where similar traits evolve independently in different species. This adaptability might offer advantages, such as increased behavioral flexibility.

Understanding false memories in cuttlefish not only sheds light on their cognitive abilities but also deepens our empathy for these creatures. It opens up questions about how memories are formed and reconstructed across different life forms, providing a unique glimpse into the workings of non-human minds.

This article by Trinity Sparke  was first published by One Green Planet on 24 July 2024. Image Credit :John Back/Shutterstock.

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