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Rearing in darkness changes visually-guided choice behavior in Drosophila.
H V Hirsch1, D Potter, D Zawierucha
1Neurobiology Research Center, University at Albany, NY 12222.
Visual Neuroscience
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Visual experience shapes fruit fly (Drosophila) visual behavior development. Dark-reared flies showed altered preferences for visual stimuli, indicating developmental plasticity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Ethology
Background:
- Visual experience is crucial for sensory system development in many species.
- The fruit fly, Drosophila, offers a powerful genetic model for studying neural development and plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of early visual experience on the development of visually-guided behavior in Drosophila.
- To determine if rearing conditions (light/dark cycle vs. complete darkness) influence visual preferences.
Main Methods:
- Visually-guided choice behavior was assessed in Drosophila groups reared in darkness versus a normal light/dark cycle.
- A visual preference test was employed, presenting targets with varying vertical line widths.
- A blind testing procedure ensured unbiased assessment of fly behavior.
Main Results:
- Both dark-reared and control flies exhibited attraction to vertical lines.
- Dark-reared Drosophila showed a heightened attraction to wider stimulus lines compared to controls.
- The timing of visual deprivation, not just its presence, affected behavioral outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Visual experience significantly influences the development of visual behavior in Drosophila.
- These findings suggest visual plasticity in Drosophila and support its use for genetic studies of visual system development.