Exploring mechanisms of behavioral flexibility and individual specialization through the comparison of members of multiple subspecies of honey bees.

Abstract

In this thesis, we explore the cognitive basis for the emergence of individual foraging strategies (IFS) across multiple honey bee subspecies using Reversal Learning assays and Free-Flying foraging problems. In Chapter 1 we studied the Reversal Learning ability of two different honey bee subspecies during a Proboscis Extension Reflex Assay. We found significant differences in how the subspecies learned. In Chapter 2 we studied the different foraging strategies honey bees could take when solving a Free-Flying foraging problem and found Subspecies is a strong factor in deciding individual's strategies.