Impulsivity is affected by cognitive enrichment and links to brain gene expression in red junglefowl chicks

Despite reported findings, explanations for within-species variation in behavioural performance on cognitive tests are still understudied. Cognitive processes influenced by environmental and genetic differences, where stimulation monoaminergic systems predicted to be important. To explore individual impulsivity (a behaviour that is negatively correlated with inhibitory control), we experimentally altered the environment of red junglefowl, Gallus gallus, exposing chicks from newly hatched 9 weeks old either (1) both enrichment, (2) enrichment without additional or (3) neither nor enrichment. Subsequently, measured brain gene expression genes dopaminergic system (DRD1 DRD2) serotonergic (5HT2A, 5HT1B, 5HT2B, 5HT2C TPH). We focused two aspects impulsivity, impulsive action persistence, their reduction over time. Cognitively enriched tended have higher initial had our environmentally slower DRD2 dopamine receptor gene) lower chicks. Variation correlate TPH involved serotonin synthesis), whereas persistence DRD1, DRD2, regardless rearing treatment. These results indicate links neurobiology could explain in, of, impulsivity. Further, distinct neurobiological pathways appear govern versus supporting suggestion a heterogenic behaviour.