Selection for associative learning of color stimuli reveals correlated evolution of this learning ability across multiple stimuli and rewards.

ABSTRACT: We are only starting to understand how variation in cognitive ability can result from local adaptations to environmental conditions. A major question in this regard is to what extent selection on cognitive ability in a specific context affects that ability in general through correlated evolution. To address this question, we performed artificial selection on visual associative learning in female Nasonia vitripennis wasps. Using appetitive conditioning in which a visual stimulus was offered in association with a host reward, the ability to learn visual associations was enhanced within 10 generations of selection. To test for correlated evolution affecting this form of learning, the ability to readily form learned associations in females was also tested using an olfactory instead of a visual

SUBMITTER: Liefting M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6099215 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature