Intelligent decisions from the hive mind: Foragers and nectar receivers of Apis mellifera collaborate to optimise active forager numbers

JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL BIOLOGY

卷:271

Article

Edwards, James R.¹  Myerscough, Mary R.¹ 

[1] Univ Sydney, Sch Math & Stat, Ctr Math Biol, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia

关键词: Apis mellifera;    Collective decisions;    Search time;    Receiver;    Mathematical model;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.jtbi.2010.11.027

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

We present a differential equation-based mathematical model of nectar foraging by the honey bee Apis mellifera. The model focuses on two behavioural classes: nectar foragers and nectar receivers. Results generated from the model are used to demonstrate how different classes within a collective can collaborate to combine information and produce finely tuned decisions through simple interactions. In particular we show the importance of the 'search time' - the time a returning forager takes to find an available nectar receiver - in restricting the forager population to a level consistent with colony-wide needs. Crown Copyright (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

【 授权许可】

Free