intellegence
Posted by Adrienne Hohensee on June 4, 2008
Q: are insects intellegent? meaning, if they see another getting killed, will they stay away?
State: Outside the U.S. and Canada
A: Now that's an interesting question that I don't have an answer for! First off I'd have to say that "intelligence" is really more of a human term, than anything else, that gets applied to our ability to problem solve and "think". Animals can and do many of the things humans can do, some can problem solve too, but none, as far as we know, to the same extent as humans.
To the best of my knowledge, an insect that sees a companion killed most likely does not respond from the visual experience, HOWEVER, some animals are able to respond to vocalizations and odors from distressed animals that clue them in to danger. I know that many kinds of minnows are aware when a member out of a school is killed - an odor is released that warns the others. It would make sense to me that some insects MAY have this same ability although I don't know of any studies that confirm this. Sorry I can't be more specific but I hope this helps a wee bit. Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( June 4, 2008)