Final answer:
Experience-induced changes in a rat's brain include alterations in amygdala function and synaptic plasticity, impacting behavior and learning abilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research has consistently shown that experience can alter physical characteristics of a rat's brain. Specific changes in the brain include the function of the amygdala and synaptic plasticity. For instance, Raineki et al. (2012) found that early life experiences, such as abusive conditions indicated by insufficient bedding, influenced the development of depressive-like behaviors in adolescence. These behaviors corresponded with enhanced amygdala activation, which is critical in processing emotions.
Furthermore, synaptic plasticity, a key feature of learning and memory, is also affected by experiences. Nabavi and colleagues (2014) demonstrated that pairing an audio tone with a foot shock could create an association that alters synaptic transmission, reflecting a change in behavioral response. Similarly, Lashley's work on the engram and Tolman's discovery of the cognitive map illustrate that learning experiences impact the physical organization and functionality of the brain.