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1 results

  • 5 - Evolutionary Processes Shaping Learning Ability in Insects

  • from Part I - Evolution of Learning Processes
  • Edited by Mark A. Krause, Southern Oregon University, Karen L. Hollis, Mount Holyoke College, Massachusetts, Mauricio R. Papini, Texas Christian University
  • Book:
    Evolution of Learning and Memory Mechanisms
    Published online:
    26 May 2022
    Print publication:
    19 May 2022, pp 89-104

  • Summary

    Insects demonstrate an impressive repertoire of learned behaviors and are specifically suitable for studies on evolutionary processes because of their high fecundity and short life span. In this chapter I focus on the evolutionary processes that shape learning ability in insects on the relatively short-term evolutionary scale. For cognitive traits and behavior to evolve under direct natural selection the following requirements must be met: (1) variation in cognitive ability between individuals, (2) this variation is heritable, and (3) this variation is related to fitness (reproduction or survival) in specific environments. First, I describe natural variation in learning ability and how this variation can be maintained in natural populations. Second, I discuss work on heritability of cognition, as well as related studies on artificial selection and experimental evolution. Finally, I discuss the benefits and costs of learning in relation to fitness.