Data from: Selection for associative learning of color stimuli reveals correlated evolution of this learning ability across multiple stimuli and rewards.

We are only starting to understand how variation in cognitive ability can
result from local adaptations to environmental conditions. A major
question in this regard is to what extent selection on cognitive ability
in a specific context affects that ability in general through correlated
evolution. To address this question we performed artificial selection on
visual associative learning in female Nasonia vitripennis wasps. Using
appetitive conditioning in which a visual stimulus was offered in
association with a host reward, the ability to learn visual associations
was enhanced within 10 generations of selection. To test for correlated
evolution affecting this form of learning, the ability to readily form
learned associations in females was also tested using an olfactory instead
of a visual stimulus in the appetitive conditioning. Additionally, we
assessed whether the improved associative learning ability was expressed
across sexes by colour-conditioning males with a mating reward. Both
females and males from the selected lines consistently demonstrated an
increased associative learning ability compared to the control lines,
independent of learning context or conditioned stimulus. No difference in
relative volume of brain neuropils was detected between the selected and
control lines.