The use of the first order system transfer function in the analysis of proboscis extension learning of honey bees, Apis mellifera L., exposed to pesticides.

No attempts have been made to apply a mathematical model to the learning curve in honey bees exposed to pesticides. We applied a standard transfer function in the form Y = B3*exp(- B2 * (X - 1)) + B4 * (1 - exp(- B2 * (X - 1))), where X is the trial number; Y is proportion of correct responses, B2 is the learning rate, B3 is readiness to learn and B4 is ability to learn. Reanalyzing previously published data on the effect of insect growth regulators tebufenozide and diflubenzuron on the classical conditioning of proboscis extension, the model revealed additional effects not detected with standard statistical tests of significance.