Exploratory behavior is a fundamental personality trait in animals that can influence their survival. Curious individuals may inhabit different areas in their habitats compared to cautious ones, but they also expose themselves to a greater risk of being discovered and eaten. Researchers have long believed that curiosity plays a role in the formation of new species and biodiversity. A study led by Professor Walter Salzburger from the University of Basel focused on the cichlids of Africa’s Lake Tanganyika to explore how behavioral differences affect adaptation to different ecological niches.
Dr. Carolin Sommer-Trembo and her team recorded the exploratory behavior of 57 cichlid species at the Southern shore of Lake Tanganyika over nine months. They observed large differences in exploratory behavior among the species, with a strong correlation between behavior, habitat, and body shape. For example, species living near the shores with a bulky body shape tend to be more curious than elongated species living in open water. These findings highlight the role of animal behavior as a driving force behind key evolutionary processes.
To investigate the genetic basis of the observed behavioral differences, the research team developed a method to analyze the genomes of cichlids across different species. They identified a genetic variant that correlated with exploratory behavior, with species possessing a certain DNA sequence being more curious. By inducing targeted mutations in the genome, the researchers were able to change the exploratory behavior of the fish. The team also used artificial intelligence and genetic information to predict the behavior of cichlid species that had not been studied before.
The genetic variant identified by the researchers is located near a gene that is active in the brain, similar to a gene found in other vertebrates. In humans, this gene variant has been associated with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, which may be related to personality traits. Sommer-Trembo expressed interest in understanding how personality traits can impact biodiversity in the animal kingdom, suggesting that this research may also provide insights into human personality foundations.
Overall, the study on exploratory behavior in cichlids of Lake Tanganyika sheds light on the role of behavior in evolution and adaptation to different ecological niches. By identifying a genetic variant linked to curiosity, the researchers were able to manipulate the behavior of the fish and predict the behavior of unstudied species. The findings may have implications for understanding the genetic basis of personality traits in both animals and humans. This research underscores the importance of considering behavior as a key factor in shaping evolutionary processes and biodiversity.
