A groundbreaking study by Queen Mary University of London reveals that bumblebees can teach each other complex tasks, showcasing the existence of cumulative culture in the animal kingdom, previously thought to be a unique human trait.
Bumblebees have surprised scientists with their ability to teach each other complex tasks, a capacity previously thought to be exclusive to humans. The study, conducted by researchers from Queen Mary University of London and published in the journal Nature, demonstrated bumblebees learning a two-step puzzle to obtain a sugar water reward. Lead researcher Dr. Alice Bridges emphasized the complexity of the task, which involved pushing a blue lever to unlock a red lever, a challenge that bees managed to learn from one another.
This discovery of bee “culture” where knowledge is passed among individuals, underscores the presence of cumulative culture in the animal kingdom, a notion highlighted by Professor Lars Chittka. Cumulative culture refers to the accumulation of knowledge and skills over generations, something that has been largely attributed to humans and seen as a marker of advanced intelligence.
The research on bumblebees has broad implications for understanding social learning and the evolution of complex behaviors beyond humanity. It presents evidence that other species, such as chimpanzees who were also observed learning tasks from their peers in separate studies, engage in social learning that facilitates the spread of innovative behaviors.
By showcasing bees’ and other animals’ capacities to learn from social interactions and pass on this knowledge, these studies challenge the long-held belief that complex social learning behaviors are uniquely human traits. This research not only enriches our understanding of animal intelligence but also opens up new perspectives on the evolution of social learning and culture in the animal kingdom.
