Honeybee workers with higher reproductive potential have a greater learning ability

Abstract Learning ability, which allows individuals to adjust their behaviour changing environmental conditions, has a considerable positive impact on individual fitness. However, in addition benefits, learning also incurs cost, means that investment and maintaining learned skills can lead trade-offs impacting other biological functions. Here, we tested whether trade-off exists between reproductive potential honeybee workers. For this purpose, compared ability two groups of workers differed potential—normal rebel The results showed with high (rebels), measured according the number ovarioles ovary, faster than normal low potential. Moreover, by performing separate regression analyses within non-rebel worker groups, found was positively correlated ability. show honeybees, there is no resource allocation costly functions, reproduction.