Nov20
A Bug's (Intellectual) Life
Posted at 10:54 AM | Permalink
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Bugs are fascinating, and if anyone tries to tell you different, have them check out this article, which offers proof that many insects are tiny geniuses who are capable of counting, categorizing objects, and recognizing human faces. Recent studies show that even though their brains are oh-so-teeny-tiny, ants, bees, and other braniac bugs are brilliant creatures. There is overwhelming evidence that brain size has no effect on intelligence and that in many cases a bigger brain is not a smarter brain.
One study shows that honeybees, whose behavioral abilities rival that of some vertebrates, can determine whether or not shapes are symmetrical, can classify objects according to sameness and difference, and will stop flying after passing a predetermined number of landmarks.
I bet if you tried you could think of a few humans who struggle with those three tasks. I've been known to have a little trouble with that last one, myself.
So the next time you see one of these clever critters, keep in mind their ingenious minds, and let them live their complex, profound lives. We've got just the thing to help you.
Posted by Logan Scherer
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Best not become a pilot then?? :-p
This is a surprise, though I never squished bugs, I never really took them as seriously as farm animals. I'll have to change that...
Posted by: Hodge Podge | November 20, 2009 07:31 PM
Bugs are intriniscally brilliant. The benevolent Creator in all wisdom ensured that each creature no matter how small had a niche to fill in the grand scheme of things.
Posted by: Brien Comerford | November 20, 2009 08:23 PM
I know MANY human beings with little or no brains!!!
Posted by: carla | November 23, 2009 02:38 PM
Great studies. They begin to answer the questions I've heard so many ask,"Are humans the only intelligent species in our galaxy? Are there other intelligent life forms?" Yeah, just look around you.
Posted by: lynda downie | November 25, 2009 12:24 AM
I love bugs! They are so unique and intelligent in ways that one doesnt realize. We got a lot of our ideas from them too. Paper was actually an idea taken from wasps. Weird. I love these little guys and dont kill them. Even the poisonous ones.
Posted by: Samantha | February 8, 2010 11:15 PM