Jerry Bromenshenk asked:

>  A mathematical modeler contends that bee foraging flights can be
>modeled by diffusion theory.  Comments?

   As I understand matters, diffusion theory would apply only in a
situation where there is no air movement.  In Nature, though, air moves
almost constantly and strongly influences where bees might forage.
Unfortunately, bee researchers have largely ignored the importance of wind
in foraging behavior this last half century, a factor the mathematician
should bring into consideration.

   As a start, he can access items #24, 25, and 26 on the web site:

http://www.beesource.com/pov/wenner/index.htm

   (Also found as "Odors, Wind, and Colony Foraging" in the 1998 Oct, Nov,
and Dec issues of the AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL.)

   Early on, von Frisch also concluded that something such as diffusion
theory would not apply.  One can find that article of his article in item
1B on the above web site.

                                                        Adrian

Adrian M. Wenner                    (805) 963-8508 (home phone)
967 Garcia Road                     (805) 893-8062  (UCSB FAX)
Santa Barbara, CA  93106  [http://www.beesource.com/pov/wenner/index.htm]

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*
*    "Aesthetic judgments do not arbitrate scientific discourse....
*   Ultimately, theories are judged by how they fare when faced
*   with cold, hard, experimental facts."
*                                          Brian Greene, 1999
*
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