Article Title：How to Design Experiments in Animal Behaviour 4. How Do Bees Estimate the Distance Flown?
Abstract：
This article describes simple experiments that show that honey bees estimate the distance they have flown, by means of 'optic flow', i.e., the extent of image motion experienced by their eyes. The estimated distance is then communicated to the bees at home through the tempo of their dance (number of dance circuits in 15 s) or the duration of the waggle phase in each circuit. The experiments also provide strong evidence against the previously held view that distance is estimated by the amount of energy consumed during the flight. These experiments illustrate how cutting-edge research is possible with little or no facilities, equipment or money, by asking the right questions, optimizing the design of the experiments and regarding previously fashionable theories with an appropriate degree of scepticism.
Keywords: Animal behaviour; experimental design; waggle dance; round dance; tempo of dance; optic flow
DOI: 10.1007/s12045-019-0850-0
Source：RESONANCE-JOURNAL OF SCIENCE EDUCATION
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