Study finds bumblebees can use tools to solve problems, demonstrating advanced cognition
By
Hannah Devlin
A bagel you'd recommend to a friend without hedging.
Summary
Bumblebees have demonstrated the ability to use tools to solve problems, according to a study that adapted a classic 'box-and-banana' experiment originally used with chimpanzees 100 years ago. The bees learned to roll a polystyrene ball to a specific location and climb on top of it to reach a reward, showing they possess advanced cognitive abilities comparable to primates, elephants, and crows. This research adds insects to the elite group of species capable of spontaneous problem-solving and insight-based learning.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThey surprise me every time
The bees were given an adapted version of an experiment that, 100 years ago, first demonstrated chimpanzees could work out how to retrieve an out-of-reach banana by stacking boxes
Insects join list of species capable of solving simple 'box-and-banana' problem that demonstrates basic intelligence
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