Bee Brain Intellect

Bees may have tiny brains, but they are surprisingly clever. They can learn from their environment to gain a reward, and then teach other bees to do the same.

Dr Erica McAlister examines the pioneering work of African American biologist and civil rights activist Charles Henry Turner, who during the early 20th century conducted painstaking research into honeybee foraging, orientation and intelligence.

His long overlooked work has led modern day researchers to question whether bigger brains are always better.

Series looking at some of the entomological pioneers, whose groundbreaking observations and experiments have led to some truly innovative developments.

With contributions from:

* Dr Jessica Ware, entomologist, (American Museum of Natural History)
* Professor Martin Giurfa neurobiologist, (Centre de Biologie Intégrative de Toulouse)
* Professor Lars Chittka zoologist (Queen Mary, University of London)
* Engineer Farrell Helbling, (Cornell University)

Producer: Adrian Washbourne

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2022.