Behavioral Biology

Learning and Comparative Cognition Group

It studies the neural bases of cognition, motivation and behavior with a comparative-evolutionary approach. Animal models (amphibians and rats) are used to investigate the role of memory of previous reinforcers and their functional modulation by different brain areas. Spatial cognition, aversive conditioning (escape and avoidance), and successive negative contrast effect (instrumental and consummatory), a response related to frustrating behavior, are analyzed. This is expected to provide relevant information to better understand the relationship between brain processes and behavior and the evolution of learning mechanisms. This group is led by Dr. Rubén N. Muzio.

Neural Circuits, Cognition and Behavior Group

Approaches the study of learning and behavior as an emergent property of neural population circuits. Information processing is studied in rats using electrophysiological and behavioral techniques that allow studying the activities of multiple neurons, and computational theories are elaborated, which allows an experimental theoretical approach. This group is led by Dr. B. Silvano Zanutto.

Behavior, Ecology and Evolution Group

It studies the behavior of wild mammals in their natural environment, the evolutionary processes that originated it and its relationship with ecological processes. It also investigates the relationship between the study of behavior and bioethics and biodiversity conservation. This group is led by Dr. Marcelo H. Cassini.

Human Behavioral Neurosciences Group

It studies the processes by which humans establish concepts and forms of reasoning for the use of abstract rules. Behavioral and neurophysiological assessments are used to study the interaction and correspondences between different levels of information processing. This group is led by Dr. Alberto A. Yorio.