Data from: No gains for bigger brains: functional and neuroanatomical consequences of relative brain size in a parasitic wasp

van der Woude, Emma, Laboratory of Entomology Wageningen University Wageningen The Netherlands

Groothuis, Jitte, Laboratory of Entomology Wageningen University Wageningen The Netherlands

Smid, Hans, Laboratory of Entomology Wageningen University Wageningen The Netherlands

Published Apr 05, 2019 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.791n66r

Cite this dataset

van der Woude, Emma; Groothuis, Jitte; Smid, Hans (2019). Data from: No gains for bigger brains: functional and neuroanatomical consequences of relative brain size in a parasitic wasp [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.791n66r

Abstract

Heritable genetic variation in relative brain size can underlie the relationship between brain performance and the relative size of the brain. We used bidirectional artificial selection to study the consequences of genetic variation in relative brain size on brain morphology, cognition and longevity in Nasonia vitripennis parasitoid wasps. Our results show a robust change in relative brain size after 26 generations of selection and 6 generations of relaxation. Total average neuropil volume of the brain was 16% larger in wasps selected for relatively large brains than in wasps selected for relatively small brains, whereas the body length of the large-brained wasps was smaller. Furthermore, the relative volume of the antennal lobes was larger in wasps with relatively large brains. Relative brain size did not influence olfactory memory retention, whereas wasps that were selected for larger relative brain size had a shorter longevity, which was even further reduced after a learning experience. These effects of genetic variation on neuropil composition and memory retention are different from previously described effects of phenotypic plasticity in absolute brain size. In conclusion, having relatively large brains may be costly for N. vitripennis, whereas no cognitive benefits were recorded.

Usage notes

Absolute and relative volumes of neuropil types in generation 33

This file gives the absolute volumes in cubic micrometer of all neuropil types, except the lamina. A separate sheet gives the volumes relative to the total (except lamina) neuropil volume. This data set supports figs 3, 4 and 5.

Brain morphology data (gen 33).xlsx

Memory data (gen 33)

The raw data supporting Fig 6

Raw selection data

Dataset supporting Fig 1 and 2. For every generation that was used for selection there is a separate excel sheet, and every row represents one individual female wasp. The rows that have a background color represent the individuals selected to produce the next generation

Survival data of wasps in generation 40

This excel file gives time until death in days after emergence, from individuals of the selection lines, unselected control lines from the AcymCx and HVRx_2 strains. These wasps were either naive or trained (=conditioned). This dataset supports fig 7.

Survival data (gen 40).xlsx