ISSN:
1573-3297
Keywords:
Drosophila
;
habitat choice
;
learning
;
experience
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Psychology
Notes:
Abstract Microhabitat preferences ofDrosophila pseudoobscura strains were examined in a Waddington maze, with an emphasis on learning how early environment affected adult habitat choice. The genotypes were roughly those expected in a natural population; the environmental variables included light, temperature, and food. It was found that (1) the different genotypes chose habitats differently; (2) early experience affected subsequent habitat choice; and (3) the effect of early experience was complex, as preference for one niche dimension (temperature) was reinforced by experience with the generally preferred value, preference for another niche dimension (light) was weakened by experience with the generally preferred value, and preference for other niche dimensions (food) was generally unaffected by experience. In this study the contribution to the total chi square was about equal from genotype and from environment. The significance of these findings for studies of dispersal and population structure of natural populations is discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01070802
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