In a remarkable revelation, bumblebees have showcased an unprecedented level of cognitive sophistication, surprising scientists with their ability to learn complex, multi-step tasks through social interaction. Published in Nature, a groundbreaking study led by Dr. Alice Bridges and Professor Lars Chittka from Queen Mary, University of London, challenges the conventional wisdom that such advanced social learning is unique to humans. Instead, it suggests that bumblebees possess the capacity for social learning that extends beyond their individual cognitive capabilities.
The study involved a two-step puzzle box, wherein bumblebees had to perform distinct actions in sequence to access a sweet reward. While individual bees struggled to solve the puzzle independently, those allowed to observe a trained “demonstrator” bee readily learned the entire sequence, even without receiving rewards for each step along the way.
Dr. Bridges highlights the complexity of the task, stating, “This is an extremely difficult task for bees. They had to learn two steps to get the reward, with the first behavior in the sequence being unrewarded. We initially needed to train demonstrator bees with a temporary reward included there, highlighting the complexity.”
The findings suggest that bumblebees possess a level of social learning previously believed to be exclusive to humans. This ability to share and acquire behaviors through social observation hints at the presence of key elements of cumulative culture in these insects. Cumulative culture refers to the gradual accumulation of knowledge and skills over generations, leading to the development of increasingly complex behaviors.
Professor Chittka emphasizes the implications of the research, stating, “This challenges the traditional view that only humans can socially learn complex behavior beyond individual learning. It raises the fascinating possibility that many of the most remarkable accomplishments of the social insects may have initially spread by copying of clever innovators.”
Beyond shedding light on bumblebee intelligence, this research opens new avenues for understanding animal cognition and the evolution of social learning. It challenges longstanding assumptions and underscores the importance of exploring the cognitive wonders hidden within the insect world. Moreover, it hints at the exciting possibility of cumulative culture among seemingly simple creatures, inviting further exploration into the mysteries of the natural world.
