Symposium: Insect Behavioral Ecology--'84: Recent Advances in Behavioral Plasticity in Insects and Decapod Crustaceans

Authors

  • Fred Punzo

Abstract

Although insects and other arthropods have traditionally been viewed as nonlearning creatures of instinct, many of their behaviors can be modified by experience. Recent interest in this subject has focused on the adaptive significance of behavioral plasticity. A valuable "spin-off" has been the use of learning in experiments to better understand the functioning of sense organs. Neurochemical correlates of learning in the grasshopper, Schistocerca americana and the mud crab, Eurypanopeus depressus include a significant increase in brain RNA and protein synthesis and a decrease in cholinesterase activity. Increase in RNA synthesis is associated with the corpora pedunculata and protecerebral bridge in insects, and the protocerebral bridge and central body in decapod crustaceans. This suggests that the function of the corpora pedunculata in the insect brain may be served by the central body in crustaceans.

Downloads

Published

1985-03-01

Issue

Section

Literature Review Articles