Honey bees' sense of smell changes from larval to adult life stages, study finds

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that honey bee larvae lack the sophisticated sense of smell found in adults. Researchers suggest this is an evolutionary trade-off resulting from the intensive care provided by nurse bees.
Why it matters
This research highlights the complex social evolution of eusocial insects and how environmental care influences biological development.
by Diana Yates, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Objective summary of peer-reviewed scientific research.
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