A recent study by a Stirling University Psychologist revealed that wild bumblebees are capable of logical reasoning.
Lead researcher Dr Gema Martin-Ordas said, “My studies examine the ability to make a decision by excluding alternatives, known as inferential reasoning, which is usually considered uniquely human and language dependent”.
The bumblebees were given the task of spontaneously finding a variety of corresponding sugar-coated strips of paper. The strips had different positions and colours.
The bees searched in the correct locations ‘significantly above chance’ which shows that they are capable of inferential reasoning.
This is the first time that any insect has shown this attribute, which is thought to be one of the hallmarks of human cognition.
“Critically, inferential reasoning is a type of logical reasoning that allows organisms to solve problems with incomplete information.” the senior lecturer stated.
“This is the first time that this ability is shown in invertebrates, specifically in insects, and questions whether language or big brains are required for this ability. The results are very robust because bees’ performance was consistent across the experiments.”
Bumblebees in the UK are on the decline, with two species already extinct. A further eight are on the conservation priority list.
According to the national bumblebee trust, there is currently a huge decline in the distribution of these eight species. Bees are one of the most important insects to the environment. They are the main pollinators and keep the cycle of growing.
Dr Martin-Ordas is keen to aid in the decline of bees saying that, “Bee decline has become a very public symbol of environment deterioration, which has galvanized conservation efforts through public appreciation. This conservation effort has been further propelled by many of the fascinating discoveries about bees’ cognition. I hope the results of my study will also contribute to these conservation efforts.”
To learn more about this study you can read the paper here.
Featured image credits: Dr Gema Martin-Ordas, University of Stirling
