Data from: Of molecules, memories, and migration: M1 acetylcholine receptors facilitate spatial memory formation and recall during migratory navigation

Many animals use complex cognitive processes, including the formation and
recall of memories, for successful navigation. However, the developmental
and neurological processes underlying these cognitive aspects of
navigation are poorly understood. To address the importance of the
formation and recollection of memories during navigation, we
pharmacologically manipulated turtles (Chrysemys picta) that navigate long
distances using precise, complex paths learned during a juvenile critical
period. We treated freely-navigating turtles both within and outside of
their critical learning period with a specific M1 acetylcholine-receptor
antagonist, a drug known to disrupt spatial cognition. Experienced adult
turtles lost all navigational ability under the influence of the drug,
while naïve juveniles navigated successfully. We retested these same
juveniles the following year (after they had passed their critical
period). The juveniles that initially navigated successfully under the
influence of the antagonist (but were unable to form spatial memories)
were unable to do so subsequently. However, the control animals (who had
the opportunity to form memories previously) exhibited typical
navigational precision. These results suggest that the formation of
spatial memories for navigation occur during a critical period, and
successful navigation after the critical period is dependent upon the
recall of such memories.