Waggle dance communication — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2023

Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food?

1. Butterflies
2. Dragonflies
3. Honeybees
4. Wasps

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

• Honeybees possess one of the most complicated examples of nonhuman communication. They can tell each other where to find resources such as food, water, or nest sites with a physical “waggle dance.” This dance conveys the direction, distance and quality of a resource to the bee’s nestmates. The waggle dancer gives the instructions, and the followers learn where they can find the indicated resource.

Answer: (c) Honeybees; Difficulty Level: Medium