The Elusive Honey Bee Dance “Language” Hypothesis

摘要: In the mid-1930s, Karl von Frisch proposed equivalent of an odor-search hypothesis for honey bee recruitment to food sources. A decade later he switched a “dance language” (though apparently did not consider his conclusions as hypotheses in either case). The and more exotic rapidly gained acceptance, but it failed its first experimental tests mid-1960s; searching recruits behave indicated they should under language hypothesis. His earlier conservative meshed better with results obtained those test experiments. Language advocates then ignored basic precepts scientific process, rejected and/or accord their favored hypothesis, instead repeatedly sought additional supportive evidence. While so doing, inadvertently accumulated yet evidence counter Frisch's original intent. By invoking ad hoc modifications qualifications, weakened, rather than strengthened, continued embrace. That strict adherence has had unfortunate result; exclusive investment that line research by various governmental agencies provide practical help beekeepers or growers past half-century.