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Strain differences in maze-learning ability of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

IF it could be demonstrated that Drosophila are able to learn, then our extensive knowledge of the genetics of this dipteran could be applied to understanding the biological bases of learning. Reports of learning in Drosophila1–3 sometimes involve changes in orientation as the result of aversive stimulation, for example, electric shock. The use of these stimuli can bring additional problems such as conditioned inhibition where the animals cease responding altogether4. The present paper is the first report of work on a unique learning situation which is based on the well-known mazes used to study taxes in Drosophila5 and involves no aversive stimulation.

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HAY, D. Strain differences in maze-learning ability of Drosophila melanogaster. Nature 257, 44–46 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1038/257044a0

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