Flatworms can learn a maze by consuming the bodies of trained flatworms

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

2 sources for · 0 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Early historical studies on planaria suggest that naive flatworms can acquire training characteristics by consuming the bodies of previously conditioned flatworms.

The analysis

The retrieved literature includes classic experiments demonstrating that behavioral conditioning can be transferred to naive planaria through cannibalism (papers 0 and 3). Although more modern research in this niche often investigates alternate mechanisms like RNA/DNA transfer or regeneration (e.g., papers 2, 8, 11), the specific claim regarding memory transfer via cannibalism is directly supported by the older experimental studies present in the set.

Evidence for · 2

Planaria: Memory Transfer through Cannibalism Reexamined

Recorded source metadata

Arlene L. Hartry, Patricia Keith-Lee, William D. Morton. Planaria: Memory Transfer through Cannibalism Reexamined. 1964. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.146.3641.274

Demonstrates that planaria cannibalizing trained donors require fewer trials in subsequent conditioning.

Source citation format

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More for · 1

Establishment of a Classically Conditioned Response and Transfer of Training via Cannibalism in Planaria

Recorded source metadata

R. A. Wilson, G. Collins. Establishment of a Classically Conditioned Response and Transfer of Training via Cannibalism in Planaria. 1967. https://doi.org/10.1177/003151256702400307

Shows that a conditioned response can be successfully transferred via cannibalism in planaria.

Source citation format

The paper trail · every fact has a biography

first checked31 Jul 2026

judged → SUPPORTED · 8631 Jul 2026

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