BIOC54H3 Chapter 3: chapter 3 bio.docx
25 Apr 2012
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Learning is a adaptive modification of behaviour based on experience. Learning does not produce behavioural change just for the sake of it, selection favours investment in the mechanisms underlying, selection favours investment in mechanisms underlying learning only when there is environmental unpredictability that has reproductive relevance for individuals. Cost benefit argument- proximate mechanisms for learning come with price tag. East cost vs west coast wrens- wc wrens memorize 100 songs by learning from others, ec learn about 40 so the brains of wc wrens should be larger and they are. If learning is costly is should evolve under a counterbalancing benefit. Males wasps learn not to be deceived again if they learn once they were tricked. So they avoid the spot where the flower was, and when researchers move the orchid to a new spot the wasps quickly come but a fly away indicating ability to learn. Male thynnine wasps, evidently store info about locations of pseudo females.
