Induced food preference

Definition

A phenomenon where an insect's preference for a particular food source is influenced by prior exposure to or conditioning involving that food.

Etymology

From Latin 'inducere', meaning 'to lead', and 'food preference', referring to the learned association between a food and a specific stimulus.

Example

A grasshopper might develop an induced food preference for a particular type of plant after being repeatedly exposed to it as a source of nutrients.

Related Terms

• Taste aversion
• Learning
• Food choice

Usage Notes

Induced food preferences can be influenced by factors such as nutritional content, taste associations, and previous experiences.