Retention over metamorphosis in the African claw-toed frog

In 5 experiments, comparisons were made between long-term retention of an aversively reinforced task before, during, and after metamorphosis in the African claw-toed frog (Xenopus laevis). After equating initial acquisition levels, a savings measure showed retention across metamorphosis to be similar to that over an equal postmetamorphic interval and superior to that over an equal premetamorphic interval. Control groups indicated that a significant part of these effects was attributable to age-dependent differences in retention of specific information acquired during initial training and not to differences in sensitivity or reactivity at the time of retraining. These data suggest that experiential factors rather than maturation per se may be responsible for much of the poor retention frequently observed in young animals relative to adults. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).