Exploring Decision-Making in Caenorhabditis elegans: Utilization of Critical Thinking Skills in Navigating Dichotomous Environments

School Name

Spring Valley High School

Grade Level

12th Grade

Presentation Topic

Zoology

Presentation Type

Non-Mentored

Abstract

All living organisms thrive off of the survival choices they make and the factors they prioritize, but how exactly do they choose between scenarios where they must consider multiple factors? This study investigates decision-making in Caenorhabditis elegans, aiming to understand their utilization of critical-thinking skills when making nuanced choices. Despite their simple nervous system, C. elegans express behaviors indicating a level of advanced cognitive understanding, making them ideal models for studying decision-making processes. The experiment consisted of five separate petri-dish tests, each with three sections, side A and side B (containing natural or UV light and/or E.coli or ethanol) and the middle. It was hypothesized that when the C. elegans faced the dichotomous environments, they would demonstrate some critical-thinking by choosing sides with more beneficial conditions, even if it meant going against natural instincts, rather than settling for the unfavorable side’s lesser benefits. Results revealed that the nematodes demonstrated some critical-thinking, as a majority of the worms in each group chose environments favorable to their long term wellness over immediate dangers. Notably, their choice to move to a side at all was a thought-out decision on its own, as the control revealed that most worms remained in the center without external stimuli. Statistical-analysis revealed the significance of this data, suggesting there was a deliberate decision-making process involved. These findings can help advance the understanding of thought processes and priorities for all organisms, and can help improve future C. elegans experiments by taking their advanced neural capabilities into consideration.

Location

RITA 283

Start Date

3-23-2024 10:15 AM

Presentation Format

Oral and Written

Group Project

No

COinS
 
Mar 23rd, 10:15 AM

Exploring Decision-Making in Caenorhabditis elegans: Utilization of Critical Thinking Skills in Navigating Dichotomous Environments

RITA 283

All living organisms thrive off of the survival choices they make and the factors they prioritize, but how exactly do they choose between scenarios where they must consider multiple factors? This study investigates decision-making in Caenorhabditis elegans, aiming to understand their utilization of critical-thinking skills when making nuanced choices. Despite their simple nervous system, C. elegans express behaviors indicating a level of advanced cognitive understanding, making them ideal models for studying decision-making processes. The experiment consisted of five separate petri-dish tests, each with three sections, side A and side B (containing natural or UV light and/or E.coli or ethanol) and the middle. It was hypothesized that when the C. elegans faced the dichotomous environments, they would demonstrate some critical-thinking by choosing sides with more beneficial conditions, even if it meant going against natural instincts, rather than settling for the unfavorable side’s lesser benefits. Results revealed that the nematodes demonstrated some critical-thinking, as a majority of the worms in each group chose environments favorable to their long term wellness over immediate dangers. Notably, their choice to move to a side at all was a thought-out decision on its own, as the control revealed that most worms remained in the center without external stimuli. Statistical-analysis revealed the significance of this data, suggesting there was a deliberate decision-making process involved. These findings can help advance the understanding of thought processes and priorities for all organisms, and can help improve future C. elegans experiments by taking their advanced neural capabilities into consideration.