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Summary: A new study shows that bumblebees learn socially, and this resulted in a novel behavior becoming dominant across a group. These findings highlight the opportunity going forward to use social insects to address how simple cognitive mechanisms can underpin the development of complex behavioral phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study published in Current Biology reveals that bumble bees bite down on flowers to enhance their ability to vibrate and shake out pollen. This behavior, known as "buzz pollination," is used by about 9% of plants, including important crops like potatoes, tomatoes, and peas. The study found that when bees bit the anthers of buzz-pollinated flowers, they transmitted up to three times more vibration, resulting in more pollen collection. However, the reasons behind why bees bite and the mechanics of their head shakes remain unknown. This research highlights the complexity of insect behavior and the need for further investigation. [Extracted from the article]