Bumblebees have tiny brains but they can solve problems like chimps and elephants

Article excerpt

Bumblebees with brains the size of sesame seeds can solve novel problems as quickly as chimpanzees and elephants, according to new research. Scientists presented the insects with puzzle feeders, contraptions requiring them to move a ball or remove a cork to access sugar water, and found that bumblebees spontaneously figured out solutions without prior training or observation. The findings suggest that problem-solving ability isn't strictly correlated with brain size, challenging assumptions about intelligence across species. Researchers believe the bees' success may stem from their natural foraging behaviors, which reward exploration and flexibility.