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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology

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Subject:
Re: Bee Foraging, Diffusion Theory
From:
Blane White <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 31 Jan 2001 08:08:48 -0600
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Hi Jerry and Everyone,

******************************************
Blane White
MN Dept of Agriculture
[log in to unmask]

>>> [log in to unmask] 01/27/01 12:08AM >>> wrote:
Hi:  A mathematical modeler contends that bee foraging flights can be
modeled by diffusion theory.  Comments?

This has provoked some interesting discussion but my comment is that it depends on the time frame.  Over time the colony will work all or nearly all floral resources within the foraging range of the hive and so if the time frame is long enough the result will appear to be very similar to diffusion.  At shorter time scales though it would tend to break down as colonies exploit the sources they determine to be "best" in that foraging area during that time period.
So the question: Are you interested in foraging averaged over an entire season or some much shorter time period such as a week or a day?

FWIW

blane

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