SEMINAR PROFILE

S01 -
Miniature Societies: The Busy Lives of Social Insects

From architecture to warfare, social insects rival humans in their ability to shape their landscape and to dominate the plants and animals with which they share space. This seminar will provide a view into the weird and wonderful world of the "truly" social insects, the bees, ants, wasps, and termites whose activities drive ecosystems, provide us with the food that we eat, and destroy our homes. How do such small creatures with relatively small brains accomplish so much? We will explore the evolution of social behavior and the daily experiences of social insects through the eyes of creatures whose lives are dictated by the constraints and advantages of extreme group living. In addition to exploring these miniature societies through scientific experimentation, we will get a first-hand feel for their world through video footage, manipulation of nests, and investigation of observation bee hives.

Scholar:

Heather Mattila

Location:

Wellesley

Dates:

1/7/2011, 1/14/2011

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S01 -	Miniature Societies: The Busy Lives of Social Insects

	From architecture to warfare, social insects rival humans in their ability to shape their landscape and to dominate the plants and animals with which they share space. This seminar will provide a view into the weird and wonderful world of the "truly" social insects, the bees, ants, wasps, and termites whose activities drive ecosystems, provide us with the food that we eat, and destroy our homes. How do such small creatures with relatively small brains accomplish so much? We will explore the evolution of social behavior and the daily experiences of social insects through the eyes of creatures whose lives are dictated by the constraints and advantages of extreme group living. In addition to exploring these miniature societies through scientific experimentation, we will get a first-hand feel for their world through video footage, manipulation of nests, and investigation of observation bee hives.

		Scholar:	Heather Mattila
		Location:	Wellesley
		Dates:	1/7/2011, 1/14/2011