Modifiability in the behavior of the California Shore-Anemone Cribrina Xanthogrammica Brandt.

Abstract

Investigated the modified feeding habits of sea anemones. The animals remain contracted during the day, expanding only in darkness. 50 Ss were studied; they were kept in separate dishes and were accepted in the test only if they accepted food before the injection of the chemical was made. Each substance (the effect of which was being tested) was forced through the mouth opening of the gastrovascular cavity, or over the surface of the disk and tentacles as per the requirements. After the injection, the Ss were replaced in sea water. The experiments were performed in strong, diffuse light. Concluded that modified behavior in relation to food was due to a gradual decline in the responsiveness of the tentacles to food, than to the animal's acting as a unit in hunger and satiety. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)