The Buzz about Bees: Biology of a Superorganism

Description:

The story of honeybees told in a new perspective, based on the latest data. In contrast to the view of bee colonies as perfect societies of selfless individuals ruled by a queen, Tautz introduces them as a "superorganism", a self organizing

and complex adaptive system based on a network of communication; a fascinating

result of evolution. The entire range of bee

activities is described. Remarkable action photographs never shown before present bees

busy with cell cleaning, caring for the brood, serving in the queen’s court, visiting flowers,

receiving nectar, producing honey, comb building, entrance guarding, heating and

cooling. Spotlights include bees grooming, swarming, fighting, telephoning, sleeping and

communicating by high-toned beeping, scents and dances