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- Cockroaches have personalities,too!
Researchers from the Université Libre de Bruxelles found that the much-maligned cockroach has its own personality and even displays different character traits. The discovery could explain why cockroaches are considered such great survivors and able to adapt to inhospitable surroundings.
Scientists studied the behaviour of Periplaneta americana, or the American cockroach, when exposed to light. The tests were carried out over a period of three months, with 16 cockroaches for each trial released in a round arena beneath a bright light. In the middle of that arena were two round "shelters" that provided shade for the dark-loving insects. After being released, the insects were left alone for three hours during which their locations were recorded by a camera and a small chip placed on each roach's back. These chips transmitted their location to a nearby computer where researchers could monitor whether or not they were venturing out into the open light or hiding under a shelter. The experiment was then repeated twice more at later dates.
Issac Planas, the lead researcher on the project and a PhD student at ULB, said the six-legged creatures made perfect test subjects because of a combination of their decision-making abilities and the extensive research that already exists on roaches.
"Cockroaches are a simple animal, but they can reach a complex decision. So with little information, with little interactions, only knowing if I have a partner here or not, only with this information, they can make complex decisions," he said.
As Planas explained, the purpose of the experiment was to look at variances in group behaviour and the way the group came to a decision. Cockroaches are known for their aversion to light, but also for their affinity for protection and groups. All of these preferences influenced each cockroach's decisions in the arena.
The researchers say the varying personalities of the cockroaches could explain their ability to adapt to new surroundings; with 'braver' cockroaches venturing out into new environments, while others remain behind to see if the surroundings are safe.
Planas said he now plans to take his research a step further by analysing how individual cockroach behaviour and learning affects the group mentality.
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