[Formation of a conditioned motor food-getting reaction with a two-way connection in grape snails]

Abstract

Tactile stimulation of the snail's skin normally evokes avoidance reactions; however after 150--300 reinforcements by food placed in a definite spot, this stimulus began to elicit food-searching reactions of the animal with its turning towards usual food position. The conditioned reflex was stable and reappeared spontaneously following active extinction. It could be recorded 6 weeks after the end of the training. Presentation of food evoked avoidance reactions in 35--60% of cases, but this feedback connection appeared irregularly.