Conceptualization of relative size by honeybees

Avarguès-Weber, Aurore and d’Amaro, Daniele and Metzler, Marita and Dyer, Adrian G. (2014) Conceptualization of relative size by honeybees. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 8. ISSN 1662-5153

[thumbnail of pubmed-zip/versions/1/package-entries/fnbeh-08-00080/fnbeh-08-00080.pdf] Text
pubmed-zip/versions/1/package-entries/fnbeh-08-00080/fnbeh-08-00080.pdf - Published Version

Download (648kB)

Abstract

The ability to process visual information using relational rules allows for decisions independent of the specific physical attributes of individual stimuli. Until recently, the manipulation of relational concepts was considered as a prerogative of large mammalian brains. Here we show that individual free flying honeybees can learn to use size relationship rules to choose either the larger or smaller stimulus as the correct solution in a given context, and subsequently apply the learnt rule to novel colors and shapes providing that there is sufficient input to the long wavelength (green) photoreceptor channel. Our results add a novel, size-based conceptual rule to the set of relational concepts that honeybees have been shown to master and underline the value of bees as an animal model for studying the emergence of conceptualization abilities.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: ScienceOpen Library > Biological Science
Depositing User: Managing Editor
Date Deposited: 14 Mar 2023 10:14
Last Modified: 24 Jun 2024 04:45
URI: http://scholar.researcherseuropeans.com/id/eprint/762

Actions (login required)

View Item
View Item