Bumblebees successfully learned a two-step puzzle box task through social observation. This task was too complex for individual bees to learn on their own. Observing trained demonstrator bees performing the first unrewarded step was crucial for successful social learning.
Individual bees failed to solve the puzzle without previous demonstration, despite extensive exposure.
This study demonstrates that bumblebees possess a level of social learning previously thought to be exclusive to humans. They can share and acquire behaviours that are beyond their individual cognitive capabilities: an ability thought to underpin the expansive, complex nature of human culture, and one previously thought to be exclusive to us.
Professor Chittka further underscores the implications:"This challenges the traditional view that only humans can socially learn complex behaviour beyond individual learning.
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