How to train your dragon: absolute conditioning in larval dragonflies.

Autor: Zenni TM; Graduate Program in Ecology and Natural Resources, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil., Crivelaro AZ; Graduate Program in Entomology and Biodiversity Conservation, Federal University of Grand Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil., Pestana GC; Graduate Program in Ecology and Natural Resources, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil., Guillermo-Ferreira R; Entomology and Experimental Biology Center, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Av. Tutunas 490, Uberaba, MG, 38061-500, Brazil. rhainer.ferreira@uftm.edu.br.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Die Naturwissenschaften [Naturwissenschaften] 2024 Jun 10; Vol. 111 (4), pp. 32. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Jun 10.
DOI: 10.1007/s00114-024-01919-3
Abstrakt: Insects, despite possessing relatively small brains, exhibit noteworthy adaptive behaviors, making them intriguing subjects for understanding learning mechanisms. This study explores the learning capabilities of dragonfly larvae (Anisoptera: Aeshnidae) in conditioning experiments, shedding light on the cognitive processes that underpin their remarkable abilities. As apex predators, dragonflies play a crucial role in ecosystems, necessitating a diverse range of learning behaviors for survival and reproductive success. We addressed whether dragonfly larvae can differentiate between different colored stimuli and associate color with prey. Our experimental design demonstrated that dragonfly larvae are able to recognize conditioning stimuli. The findings contribute valuable insights into the cognitive abilities of dragonflies, suggesting that these insects can learn and discriminate colors of stimuli. Overall, this research broadens our understanding of insect learning and cognition, contributing to the broader field of animal behavior and memory.
(© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)
Databáze: MEDLINE
Externí odkaz: