A Multiscale Review of Behavioral Variation in Collective Foraging Behavior in Honey Bees.

Chelsea N. Cook,Natalie J. Lemanski,Noa Pinter-Wollman,Brian H. Smith

doi:10.3390/insects10110370

Chelsea N. Cook, Natalie J. Lemanski + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/insects10110370

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Abstract

The emergence of collective behavior from local interactions is a widespread phenomenon in social groups. Previous models of collective behavior have largely overlooked the impact of variation among individuals within the group on collective dynamics. Honey bees (Apis mellifera) provide an excellent model system for exploring the role of individual differences in collective behavior due to their high levels of individual variation and experimental tractability. In this review, we explore the causes and consequences of individual variation in behavior for honey bee foraging across multiple scales of organization. We summarize what is currently known about the genetic, developmental, and neurophysiological causes of individual differences in learning and memory among honey bees, as well as the consequences of this variation for collective foraging behavior and colony fitness. We conclude with suggesting promising future directions for exploration of the genetic and physiological underpinnings of individual differences in behavior in this model system.

Highlights

Collective behavior emerges from individual-based local rules without central control
The work we have reviewed suggests many new lines of research across multiple scales that span genes, neural networks, individual behavior, and collective function
Several neurophysiological and hormonal mechanisms have been identified as being important for honey bee learning and foraging behavior, including tyramine, octopamine, gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), and vitellogenin

Summary

Introduction

Collective behavior emerges from individual-based local rules without central control. Individuals differ in their responses to external stimuli, such as interactions with other group members and with the biotic and abiotic environment This variation among individuals can have important influences on the emergence of collective behavior [7,8,9,10,11,12], for example, because certain individuals can have a disproportionate impact on collective outcomes [13,14]. Studying social insects allows a multilevel approach that integrates the role of individual variation, from the underlying mechanism of variation among individuals (such as genetics and physiology) to the collective, ecological, and evolutionary consequences [17]. We review the genetic, physiological, and learning mechanisms underlying individual variation in foraging behavior of honey bees. We end the paper with suggestions for promising future directions of investigation that both emerge from our review of the literature and can advance the study of the role of individual variation in shaping the collective foraging of bees

Variation in Individual Learning and Behavior

Genetic Mechanisms

Fitness Consequences of Collective Behavior

Conclusions and Open Questions

Neurophysiological Mechanisms

Forward and Reverse Genetics

Concluding Remarks