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Subject:
From:
Gordon Scott <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Discussion of Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 31 Aug 1995 22:14:35 +0100
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On Wed, 30 Aug 1995, Kevin Roddy wrote:
 
>       What makes the cells of honeybee combs hexagonal?
>
>       I'm not especially interested in unreferenced opinions
> unless they're from apiculturists (bee people).
 
Hi Kevin,
 
Well, I'm a beekeeper and an engineer, so I guess I could
venture an unreferenced opinion ;-)
 
Throw a handfull of matching sized ballbearings into a
tray and look at the pattern that naturally results.
 
Consider that nature likes efficiency.
 
Put your hand on your heart, look me straight in the virtual
eye, and tell me that nature isn't just being efficient here!
 
BTW, Social wasp's nests have a similar hexagonal pattern.
 
Regards,
--
Gordon Scott   [log in to unmask]   CompuServe 100332,3310
               [log in to unmask]    CompuServe 100070,413
               Beekeeper; Kendo 3rd Dan; Sometime sailor.
The Basingstoke Beekeeper (newsletter) [log in to unmask]

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