Ecological relevance of associative learning in fruit fly larvae |
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Authors: | Reuven Dukas |
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Institution: | (1) Behavioral Ecology Research Group Department of Biological Sciences Simon Fraser University, Burnaby B.C. V5A 1S6, Canada, CA |
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Abstract: | A few invertebrate models have been used for studying neurobiological and molecular aspects of associative learning. The
ecological and evolutionary aspects of associative learning in these invertebrates are not yet well understood. To further
this knowledge, I tested fruit fly larvae for their ability to learn to associate odors with preferred environmental conditions.
The larvae learned to avoid odors associated with predation and to prefer odors associated with high-quality food, but failed
to learn about odors associated with optimal temperature. It appears that the larvae possess a general ability to evaluate
a suite of environmental parameters and associate preferred conditions with relevant stimuli.
Received: 6 May 1998 / Accepted after revision: 11 October 1998 |
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Keywords: | Fruit fly Associative learning Invertebrate learning |
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