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Experimental evolution of learning ability in fruit flies.

Frederic Mery1, Tadeusz J Kawecki

  • 1Unit for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 10, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland. frederic@mery@unifr.ch

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|October 23, 2002
PubMed
Summary

This study experimentally evolved learning in fruit flies over 51 generations. Fruit flies demonstrated enhanced associative learning and memory for oviposition site selection.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Animal behavior
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Genetic variation for learning exists in animal populations.
  • Understanding the ecological drivers of learning evolution is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To experimentally evolve learning ability in Drosophila melanogaster.
  • To investigate the ecological circumstances favoring improved learning.

Main Methods:

  • Experimental evolution over 51 generations.
  • Selection for associative learning related to oviposition substrate choice using quinine as a cue.
  • Behavioral assays to assess learning rate and memory.

Main Results:

  • Experimental populations evolved a marked ability to avoid previously cued oviposition substrates.

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  • Improved associative learning was observed even with novel media.
  • Behavioral changes were attributed to evolution of higher learning rate and better memory.

    • Conclusions:

    • Learning ability can be experimentally evolved in fruit flies.
    • Associative learning and memory are key components of evolved learning ability.
    • This provides a model for studying the evolution of cognitive traits.