Learned host preferences

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    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 languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationPhenotypic plasticity of insects
    EditorsDouglas W. Whitman, T.N Ananthakrishnan
    Place of PublicationUnited States
    PublisherScience Publishers
    Pages767-779
    Number of pages13
    ISBN (Print)9781578084234
    Publication statusPublished - 2009

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