In this video adapted from NOVA scienceNOW, learn how decision making in a bee swarm resembles what occurs in the human brain. Scout bees search for food sources for the colony or, as the video shows, “house hunt” for a new beehive. While scientists have long known that scouts perform a characteristic “waggle” to indicate to other bees the location of food sources, biology professor Tom Seeley discovered they also dance to communicate information about potential home sites. His latest research reveals how scout bees influence a colony to decide between more than one option. This behavior is similar to what neurons do in human brains.

This video is available in both English and Spanish audio, along with corresponding closed captions.