Tropical Butterfly's Brain Reveals Mosaic Evolution Enhancing Learning

Heliconius butterflies exhibit unique neural expansions that improve cognitive abilities, offering insights into brain evolution.

Heliconius butterflies are the only genus known to feed on both nectar and pollen, requiring advanced spatial memory and learning skills.
Research shows that these butterflies have developed a mosaic pattern of brain evolution, with certain regions expanding more than others.
The mushroom bodies, key for learning and memory, have undergone significant expansion, aiding in the butterflies' ability to navigate complex feeding routes.
Kenyon cells within the butterfly brain exhibit varied growth rates, contributing to the mosaic evolution and enhanced cognitive functions.
This study provides a model for understanding neural circuit adaptations, potentially bridging insights to other organisms, including humans.