Abstract
Learning, a form of behavioural phenotypic plasticity, can have significant fitness benefits. In this chapter I discuss the evidence that insects can learn features of their hosts, and consider whether learned changes in behaviour are restricted to a single life history stage, or whether a learned behavioural change acquired in the preimaginal stages can influence imaginal behaviour. I then discuss which evolutionary scenarios promote learning over innate responses to hosts, and how learned changes in behaviour can interact with natural selection in the eVolution of host races.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Phenotypic plasticity of insects |
Editors | Douglas W. Whitman, T.N Ananthakrishnan |
Place of Publication | United States |
Publisher | Science Publishers |
Pages | 767-779 |
Number of pages | 13 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781578084234 |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |