In a message dated 25/01/2008 14:27:57 GMT Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
Is there something in the studies
that you cite that shows more directly how the conclusions are made:
first of all that bees are deliberately leaving to die rather than
just leaving and dieing: and secondly that this would really be of
survival benefit to the colony?
My favourite philosopher is William of Occam who wrote "Entia non sunt
multiplicanda praeter necessitatem" which, being construed into English, means
"Entities are not to be multiplied beyond necessity" or into American "Keep it
simple baby".
Bees do prefer to ease their bowels away from home. The reasons for doing
so are obvious and needn't be rehearsed in this mail. Darwin would have
ensured that reason was turned into practice. If their final movement is away from
the hive then sisters don't have to lick up the mess and then go on to feed
the babies.
Chris
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