Bumblebees, with brains the size of a seed, have surprised scientists by displaying a level of collective intelligence previously thought to be exclusive to humans, challenging the notion that intelligence is solely determined by brain size. Recent studies have shown that bumblebees, like chimpanzees, exhibit behaviors that call into question human exceptionalism, marking a shift in understanding the evolution of intelligence.
Despite being commonly underestimated due to their size, bumblebees are emerging as scientific marvels, showcasing their ability to learn, utilize tools, count, and solve simple mathematical equations.
In laboratory trials, bumblebees were observed facing a two-step challenge that they initially struggled to solve individually. However, once one bee discovered the solution, it was able to effectively teach others, demonstrating a form of collaborative learning previously unseen in insects.
This collaborative learning hints at the existence of a shared bee culture, where innovative behaviors can be passed across generations, challenging the notion of instinct-driven behavior.
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