Fear conditioning in invertebrates.

Learning to identify and predict threats is a basic skill that allows animals to avoid harm. Studies in invertebrates like , and have revealed that the basic mechanisms of learning and memory are conserved. We will summarize these studies and highlight the common pathways and mechanisms in invertebrate fear-associated behavioral changes.

Predator-secreted sulfolipids induce defensive responses in C. elegans.

Animals respond to predators by altering their behavior and physiological states, but the underlying signaling mechanisms are poorly understood. Using the interactions between Caenorhabditis elegans and its predator, Pristionchus pacificus, we show that neuronal perception by C. elegans of a predator-specific molecular signature induces instantaneous escape behavior and a prolonged reduction in oviposition.