![]() Performed division calculations – although division has not been previously demonstrated by beesĬounted each element and then applied the odd/even categorisation rule to the total quantity.īy teaching other animal species to discriminate between odd and even numbers, and perform other abstract mathematics, we can learn more about how maths and abstract thought emerged in humans. Paired elements to find an unpaired element Explanations may include simple or complex processes. We don’t yet know how the bees were able to perform the parity task. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean the bees and the simple neural network used the same mechanism to solve the task. This showed us that in principle parity categorisation does not require a large and complex brain such as a human’s. Despite its simplicity, the neural network correctly categorised the pulse numbers as odd or even with 100% accuracy. We gave the network signals between 0 and 40 pulses, which it classified as either odd or even. We constructed a simple artificial neural network with just five neurons to perform a parity test. Inspired by biological neurons, these networks are scalable and can tackle complex recognition and classification tasks using propositional logic. Creating a simple artificial neural networkĪrtificial neural networks were one of the first learning algorithms developed for machine learning. ![]() In this video we see the bee inspect each card on the screen, before making a correct choice on the card presenting an even number of 12 shapes. We trained honeybees to choose even numbers. The other group was trained to associate odd numbers with sugar water, and even numbers with quinine. One was trained to associate even numbers with sugar water and odd numbers with a bitter-tasting liquid (quinine). To teach bees a parity task, we separated individuals into two groups. Studies have shown honeybees can learn to order quantities, perform simple addition and subtraction, match symbols with quantities and relate size and number concepts.Ĭan bees do maths? Yes – new research shows they can add and subtract Understanding if and how other animals can recognise (or can learn to recognise) odd and even numbers could tell us more about our own history with parity. It isn’t obvious why parity might be important beyond its use in mathematics, so the origins of these biases remain unclear. These studies suggest humans may have learnt biases and/or innate biases regarding odd and even numbers, which may have arisen either through evolution, cultural transmission, or a combination of both. And research has found children typically associate the word “even” with “right” and “odd” with “left”. We are also faster, and more accurate, when categorising numbers as even compared to odd. For example, we tend to respond faster to even numbers with actions performed by our right hand, and to odd numbers with actions performed by our left hand. Interestingly, humans demonstrate accuracy, speed, language and spatial relationship biases when categorising numbers as odd or even. Parity tasks (such as odd and even categorisation) are considered abstract and high-level numerical concepts in humans. In a new study, published today in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, we show honeybees can learn to do this. Until now odd and even categorisation, also called parity classification, had never been shown in non-human animals. RMIT University provides funding as a strategic partner of The Conversation AU. Monash University provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation AU. Jair Garcia does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. ![]() She is affiliated with Pint of Science Australia as the Media Manager volunteer.Īdrian Dyer receives funding from Australian Research CouncilĪndrew Greentree receives funding from The Australian Research Council, Defence Science and Technology Group, SmartSat CRC, The US Air Force Office of Scientific Research, The Asian Office of Aerospace Research and Development, The US Office of Naval Research, and the Foundation for Australia-Japan Studies. ![]() Scarlett Howard received funding from Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship, RMIT University, Fyssen Foundation, L’Oreal-UNESCO for Women in Science Young Talents French Award, and Deakin University. Professor of Quantum Physics and Australian Research Council Future Fellow, RMIT University ![]()
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