The essay topic for 2009 is The Dance Language of Bees.
Honey bees possess the ability to communicate the distance and direction of resources to their nest-mates. They employ a symbolic dance language in which the position of the sun is symbolically represented by gravity, and a trained observer can watch their dances and predict where they are foraging. The use of symbolic language by an insect has made them one of the most studied animals. This year’s essay contest invites participants to learn about the honey bee’s dance language, how it was discovered, how it works and how it provides colonies the ability to find and exploit floral resources.
Students interested in writing should contact their local 4-H
offices for contest details. The state selection must be done through
the 4-H system.
For more information on the 2009 Essay Contest, including the rules and deadline information, please visit the 2009 4-H Essay Information Page.
