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Slow-Motion Video Reveals That Bumblebees Exhibit Complex Behaviors

A new scientific study shows that bumblebees exhibit unique, emotion-like behaviors that reveal a simple inner life. Researchers from Macquarie University in Australia and Southern Medical University in China used slow-motion video to analyze insect mouth movements. The scientists recorded 18 different bee colonies after feeding them various sweet, bitter, and salty liquids. The study discovered that bees do not just act on simple physical reflexes. Instead, the video footage captured bumblebees sticking out their tongues to lick their lips when they like a taste, but shaking their heads when they dislike it.

These innovative findings challenge how scientists traditionally view the mental abilities and awareness of small insects. Previously, most researchers believed that complex responses like liking or disliking were unique to larger mammals. Professor Andrew Barron, a researcher who co-authored the study, explained the importance of these miniature facial movements. He stated, "Facial expressions are an important window into the internal states of animals. This is another step towards showing there is an inner life to being a bee." The real-world takeaway is that insects may possess a basic capacity to evaluate and feel the world around them.

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Talk about these words from the article.

scientific study / emotion-like behaviors / inner life / researchers / slow-motion video / insect / mouth movements / bee colonies / physical reflexes / video footage / unique / findings / challenge / mental abilities / awareness / mammals / co-authored / capacity / evaluate

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Discussion

1) According to the article, how do bumblebees physically show that they dislike a bitter or salty taste?

2) What kind of insects or small bugs do you see most frequently in your neighborhood?

3) How do you usually react when an insect flies close to you or enters your house?

4) Do you enjoy watching science and nature documentaries about animals, and why or why not?

5) Have you ever noticed an animal or a pet showing clear signs of happiness or anger?

6) In your opinion, why is it important for scientists to study how different animals experience the world?

7) What are some actions that people in your community can take to protect helpful insects like bees?

8) In which scientific journal did the researchers publish the results of this bumblebee study?