Tag

Nest Building

All articles tagged with #nest building

science2 years ago•4 min saved

"Parallel Evolution: Bees and Wasps Share Nest-Building Techniques"

Bees and wasps, despite their independent evolution and different building materials, have independently developed similar architectural techniques for nest-building. Both species construct hexagonal cells, which offer strength, storage area, and reduce the need for construction materials. However, when accommodating differently-sized hexagons within a single comb sheet, bees and wasps construct non-hexagonal cells. Researchers found that as the size discrepancy between worker and reproductive cells increased, the insects built 5- and 7-sided cells in pairs. This pattern was observed across multiple bee and wasp species. The study contributes to understanding how collective systems can build adaptive structures without centralized control.

via Earth.com|

#architecture #bees #evolution

science2 years ago•3 min saved

"Parallel Evolution: Bees and Wasps Discover Shared Architectural Innovations"

Bees and wasps, despite using different building materials and having independent origins of hexagonal cells, have independently developed the same architectural solutions to overcome the challenge of tiling differently-sized hexagons within a single sheet of comb. Researchers found that as the size difference between worker and reproductive cells increased, workers incorporated non-hexagonal cells, mostly 5- and 7-sided, in pairs. Additionally, some species incorporated intermediate-sized hexagonal cells to create a series of smaller transitions, avoiding the need for non-hexagonal cells. This study highlights how collective systems can build adaptive and resilient structures without centralized control.

via Phys.org|

#architecture #bees #evolution

wildlife2 years ago•4 min saved

Birds Turn Anti-Bird Spikes into Fortresses

European birds, specifically carrion crows and magpies, are using anti-bird spikes, designed to keep them away from human infrastructure, to build armored nests for their chicks. The birds repurpose the spikes by coiling them inward or incorporating them into the top of their nests, potentially serving as a base or protection against predators. While birds commonly use human-made objects for nest-building, this behavior is the first documented instance of birds using anti-bird spikes in this way. Scientists are intrigued by the possibility that magpies are using the spikes functionally, and further research is needed to determine if thorny materials help magpies raise more chicks. The study highlights the adaptability of urban wildlife and encourages embracing their presence rather than fighting against it.

via National Geographic|

#anti-bird-spikes #birds #magpies