Learning in Cnidaria: a summary.

Abstract

Based on a systematic literature search, I recently reviewed learning in the phylum Cnidaria, animals possessing a nerve net as a nervous system but no centralized brain. I found abundant evidence of non-associative learning, both habituation and sensitization, but only sparse evidence of associative learning. Only one well-controlled study on classical conditioning in sea anemones provided firm evidence, and no studies firmly supported operant conditioning in Cnidaria, although several provided suggestive evidence. More research on associative learning in this phylum is needed.