ISSN:
1432-0770
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Computer Science
,
Physics
Notes:
Abstract 1. Form discrimination by honeybees can be measured when individuals are trained to select a rewarded shape in preference to other, unrewarded ones (Table 2). In these experiments, the values of discrimination for some pairs of shapes depend upon which of the pair is rewarded (“symmetrical, asymmetrical discrimination”, Table 3, 4). 2. Two groups of possible mechanisms of form discrimination will be discussed. Experimental findings preclude the exclusive use by the bees of any one of those mechanisms. The following discrimination function, however, describes the present as well as previously reported results: $$U = \left| {C_{\text{1}} \frac{{R^ + + R^ - }}{G}F^ + + C_2 {\text{(log}}K^ + {\text{ - log}}K^ - {\text{)}}} \right|$$ (Figs. 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10). R +, R −, G and F + are parts of areas (Fig. 1), K + and K − contour lengths of the shapes to be compared. 3. The weighting factors, C 1 and C 2, are apparently given different values by the bee for different shape combinations. Some results might support Mazochin-Porshnyakov's (1969) hypothesis that bees can also recognize other features of the shapes, according to the problem to be solved (Sect. D).
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00271695
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