VIDEO Bumblebees enjoy playing with balls, according to study – BBC News

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Bumblebees Enjoy Playing with Balls – BBC News In a fascinating study by researchers at Queen Mary University in London, it has been discovered that bumblebees engage in play with balls, showcasing a behavior previously thought to be exclusive to humans and dogs. This groundbreaking research, published in the journal Animal Behavior, reveals that insect minds may be more sophisticated than traditionally believed. The report highlights that bumblebees interact with inanimate objects in a playful manner, providing a clear indication of their cognitive abilities. Researchers set up experiments where bumblebees were given wooden balls to roll. To their surprise, the bees demonstrated a natural inclination towards playing with these toys, showing no need for external rewards like sugary treats. Remarkably, younger bees exhibited more playfulness than their older counterparts, with adult males rolling the balls for longer periods than females. The implication of these findings is significant. Bumblebees are not just essential for pollination and the production of honey; they are also intelligent beings capable of engaging in recreational activities. This challenges the perception of insects as mere biological inputs in our ecosystem and suggests a more complex social structure and cognitive ability. As we delve deeper into the world of animal behavior, studies like this could redefine our understanding of intelligence across species. What are your thoughts on the ability of insects to play? Do you believe more species could exhibit similar behaviors? Feel free to share your insights or related experiences in the comments!