DRAWING on decades of research, Lars Chittka argues in his illuminating book The Mind of a Bee that bees—once considered little machines incapable of sophisticated cognitive ability—are, in fact, intelligent and sentient creatures, which can recognise flowers and human faces, learn by observing others, count, exhibit basic emotions and problem solve. It is not surprising then, that the bee is so pivotal in addressing some of the world’s greatest problems, such as poverty and climate change.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year,