Question

If the source is opposite to the direction of the sun, then honey bees will convey the direction by

• A. Clockwise round dance
• B. Upright down tail wagging dance
• C. Anti-clockwise round dance
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Upright down tail wagging dance

Explanation of the correct option

The correct option is B.

1. The distance of the source is indicated by the intensity of the sound produced, the pace of the dance, and the wagging of the tail.
2. If the tail wags directly vertically upwards during the dance, it indicates that the source is facing the sun.
3. If the tail wags vertically downwards, the source is located on the opposite side of the sun.

Explanation of the incorrect options

Option A:

1. A foraging honey bee comes back to the hive and conducts a round dance to convey the location of a valuable food source.
2. The forager bee flies around the comb in close circles, alternating directions, clockwise and anticlockwise.

Option C:

1. An anti-clockwise round dance is a signal from a forager bee to other bees about the location of a food source.

At 50 meters away from the hive, the essential distance for shifting between the round and waggle dances exists.

Final Answer: If the source is opposite to the direction of the sun, then honey bees will convey the direction by Upright down tail wagging dance.