Bumblebees can teach each other to solve complex puzzles that are too difficult to learn alone through trial and error, scientists have found. Experiments have shown the insects are able to learn a complicated puzzle box task from their peers to gain access to a sugar reward. The researchers said their study, published in the journal Nature, shows bees can learn complex tasks through social interaction, challenging the long-held view that this trait is unique to humans. A 'trained' demonstrator bee with an 'observer' bee, in a two-step puzzle box. "Yet other bees learned the whole sequence from social observation of these trained bees, even without ever experiencing the first step's reward.

Source: Irish Examiner March 06, 2024 18:58 UTC