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Classical Conditioning and the Planarian

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Abstract

In several previous papers (1963, 1965, and 1966), I have compiled and attempted to evaluate the evidence for learning in planarians. During the last few years, several particularly convincing demonstrations have all but laid to rest the notion advocated by at least a few scientists that, because of its simple organization, the planarian must be entirely ineducable. This position, however reasonable on a priori grounds, must eventually yield to empirical evidence. And, as Warren has stated, “Overall, the evidence suggests very strongly that learning occurs in flatworms” (1965, p. 100).

The research described in this paper was supported by University of California Research Grant 2068.

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Jacobson, A.L. (1967). Classical Conditioning and the Planarian. In: Corning, W.C., Ratner, S.C. (eds) Chemistry of Learning. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-6565-3_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-6565-3_13

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4899-6261-4

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