The Study Description
Introduction
In this study, the scientists used several practical research methods. First of all, they applied observation to collect data on the properties and relationships of the objects of study: the highly toxic cane toad Bufo marinus (O’Donnell). The authors recorded important properties of the species’ eating habits, in particular, its consumption of northern quoll Dasyurus hallucatus. Then, using the experimental method, the existing provisions regarding the artificial production of taste aversion in toad in relation to northern quoll were verified. The task of the experiment was not only to demonstrate the discovery of a new property of changes in food preferences of Bufo marinus, but also to show that it can be repeated in practice.
Findings
Scientists have found out that in order to stop the decline in the number of threatened species (in particular, northern quoll Dasyurus hallucatus), it is possible to cause conditioned taste aversion (CTA) in its main natural enemies (in this case, cane toad Bufo marinus). Researchers managed to evoke the behavioral consequences of an association between a certain taste (a disappearing type of quoll) and such a repulsive stimulus as a toxic substance that caused painful symptoms (O’Donnell). As a result of eating a dead animal that caused nausea in toads, predatora acquired a conditioned reflex aversion to the taste of northern quoll Dasyurus hallucatus and began to refuse to eat food that has a similar taste.
Conclusions
With the use of conditioned taste aversion, it is possible to carry out a successful fight against predatory animals aimed at improving the reproduction conditions of rare species and reducing the amount of waste of young and adult animals (O’Donnell). This method can be used in the case when the predator-prey relationship in nature ceases to ensure the prosperous existence of interacting populations.
Novel Application of a classical conditioning procedure
It seems to me that a novel application of a classical conditioning procedure to get a human to dislike something for practical purposes can be applied to nicotine. It is possible to apply the drug development of conditioned taste aversion in patients who cannot quit smoking for a very long time. For example, this can be done by taking emetic pills that have an instant effect and a pronounced nicotine taste.
After taking the drug, a person should be allowed to smoke a cigarette under the supervision of a specialist. Taking pills that contribute to the development of conditioned taste aversion should be carried out until the patient’s provocation in the form of a smoked cigarette begins to be followed by an immediate characteristic reaction of the body. Such a reaction can be bronchospasms, respiratory failure, palpitations, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
A serious condition will pass quickly, but a persistent aversion to the sight and smell of cigarettes will appear in the body. The patient should drink emetic tablets with nicotine flavor daily, their effect is likely to be enough for a day. Such coding will initially require control over taking the medication. However, this method of quitting smoking with the help of conditioned taste aversion will have a number of serious contraindications. It will be contraindicated in patients with diseases of the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and heart in acute form. If a smoker breaks down, smokes a cigarette and causes poisoning, it can put too much strain on the organs weakened by the disease.
Work Cited
O’Donnell, Stephanie, et al. “Conditioned Taste Aversion Enhances the Survival of an Endangered Predator Imperilled by a Toxic Invader.” Journal of Applied Ecology, vol. 47, no. 3, 2010, pp. 558-565.