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Erica McAlister on the long overlooked bee experiments of Charles Henry Turner whose painstaking research on bee intellect questions whether bigger brains are always better.

Dr Erica McAlister of London's Natural History Museum takes a look at some of the entomological pioneers, whose groundbreaking observations and experiments have led to some truly innovative developments.

Bees may have tiny brains, but they are surprisingly clever. They can learn from their environment to gain a reward, and then teach other bees to do the same. Dr Erica McAlister examines the pioneering work of African American biologist and civil rights activist Charles Henry Turner, who during the early 20th century conducted painstaking research into honeybee foraging, orientation and intelligence. His long overlooked work has led modern day researchers to question whether bigger brains are always better.

With contributions from Dr Jessica Ware, entomologist, (American Museum of Natural History), Prof Martin Giurfa neurobiologist, (Centre de Biologie IntΓ©grative de Toulouse), Prof,.Lars Chittka zoologist (Queen Mary, University of London), engineer Farrell Helbling, (Cornell University)

Producer Adrian Washbourne

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14 minutes

Last on

Wed 17 May 2023 20:45

Broadcasts

  • Thu 26 May 2022 13:45
  • Sat 6 May 2023 14:45
  • Wed 17 May 2023 20:45