We examine the evolutionary biology of cognition, defined as the neuronal processes concerned with the acquisition, retention and use of information. We prefer to work with insects and have studied various species of solitary and social bees, flies, wasps and grasshoppers.  See Publications for recent papers and reviews on the topics below.

Evolution of learning. The original function of nervous systems was inter-cellular communication. Animals with simple nervous systems, however, already show learning abilities. We try to understand the ecological and neurogenetic settings that led to the evolution of learning.

Effects of learning on evolution. It is widely believed that phenotypic plasticity in general and learning in particular have contributed significantly to evolutionary change (see Robinson & Dukas 1999, Dukas 2004). There are, however, few data sets supporting this proposition. We are trying to study this unresolved issue through theory and empirical work with fruit flies.

Adaptive significance of learning in fruit flies. Fruit flies (Drosophila spp) have been a prime model system in the fields of evolution and neurogenetics. We integrate mechanistic and evolutionary knowledge for quantifying how flies benefit from learning, how learning influences courtship and mate choice, and  how learning affects processes of sexual selection and speciation.

Ecology and evolution of social learning. Social learning, defined as learning from other individuals has had dramatic effects on some species including humans, in whom it has generated a rich culture. Social learning has mostly been studied in a few vertebrates and social insects. We are currently conducting experiments with a few non-social insect species with the goal of understanding the evolution of and neurogenetic mechanisms underlying social learning.

Life history of learning. Learning is one of a few factors that contribute to an increase in individual performance throughout life in many animals including humans. In spite of the importance of learning, no experimental research program has critically quantified the relative contribution of learning to performance throughout the lifespan. We use honey bees and bumble bees as model systems for measuring how learning, physiology and effort interact to affect foraging success throughout workers' lifetime under natural settings and in controlled experimental environments. This work is highly relevant for our understanding of topics such as the development of expertise and senescence, and their combined effects on performance at different stages of life in all animals including humans.

Predation and pollination. Research on animal-flower interactions has traditionally focused only on two trophic levels. We have examined how pollinators' predators influence these interactions and documented that some predators, such as bumblebee wolves, can have large negative effects on bee density and plant fitness. Other predators such as crab spiders have small and variable effects. We recently found that honey bees consider danger in their waggle dance.

See recent publications from my lab for further details.

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