Title:A Review on the Neuroanatomy of Bee Brain and Social Behavior
Volume: 2
Author(s): Ridahunlang Nongkhlaw*
Affiliation:
- Centre for Advanced Studies in Chemistry, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya 793022, India
Keywords:
Bee brain, Biogenic amines, Cognition, Neuroanatomy, Social behavior, Waggle dance.
Abstract: At present, there is a growing interest among researchers in studying the structure and function of the bee brain in relation to their cognitive
behavior. The bee brain, despite its small size of approximately 1 million neurons, is known for its ability to facilitate effective communication and
collaboration. Just like humans, the bee brain is also controlled by biogenic amines like dopamine, serotonin and tyramine, octopamine, and
histamine. The honey bees communicate with each other by using a complex language called the “waggle dance”. Despite existing knowledge
about the bee brain's neuroanatomy, there is still a need to understand which specific regions control cognition and social behavior in bees. This
review aims to explore the different major parts of the bee brain and how each part contributes to modulating social behavior.