Nature: Amazing Abilities 2

– The Honeybee –

“The humble honeybee, a crucial pollinator, possesses an astonishing navigational ability that has puzzled and fascinated scientists for years. Despite their small brain size, these industrious insects can navigate complex landscapes, covering several kilometres to forage for nectar and pollen and then return precisely to their hives.

This impressive feat is facilitated by a range of sophisticated navigational strategies. Honeybees use the position of the sun as a compass, adjusting their flight paths in relation to the sun’s movement. They can also recognise patterns of polarised light, which aids in navigation on cloudy days.

Moreover, honeybees employ a method known as “path integration” or “dead reckoning,” which involves tracking the direction and distance of their outbound journey to find their way back. They also memorise landmarks along their route, further aiding their return flight.

This incredible capacity not only underlines the complexity of bee cognition but also emphasises their vital role in ecosystems. Their ability to traverse vast distances enables them to effectively pollinate a variety of plants, supporting biodiversity and contributing to global food production.”

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO words from the text for each answer.

The honeybee is not just a vital __________, but it also has a remarkable ability to navigate over long distances.
Honeybees use the sun’s position as a __________, adjusting their paths according to the sun’s movement.
On overcast days, bees can recognize patterns of v light, assisting them in their navigation.
A technique known as “__________ integration” is employed by honeybees to keep track of the direction and distance of their outbound journey, aiding their return.
These insects also remember __________ along their route, enhancing their navigation skills.
Their impressive navigational skills allow them to pollinate a variety of __________, promoting biodiversity and supporting food production worldwide.

Choose NO MORE THAN ONE word from the text for each answer.

The honeybee, a significant __________ , is renowned for its extraordinary navigational skills, travelling several kilometres to gather nectar and pollen, then returning unerringly to its hive. This feat involves several complex techniques: using the sun’s position as a __________ , identifying patterns of __________ light on cloudy days, and utilizing “path __________ ” to track their outbound trajectory and distance. These insects can also recall distinctive __________ along their journey, further assisting in their homeward route. These abilities highlight not only their cognitive intricacy but also their crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and ensuring __________ production by pollinating various plant species.

Vocabulary Builder

Find the synonyms (words with the same or similar meaning) to these 9 words from the original passage.

Original word	Variants used
Navigational	__________ / __________
Industrious	__________
To forage	__________
Compass	–
Memorise	__________
Complexity	__________
Traverse	__________ / __________
Pollinate	–