Modeling Social Insect Populations. I. Ergonomics of Foraging and Population Growth in Bumblebees

Abstract

This paper discusses a number of approaches to modeling some aspects of the ergonomics of bumblebee colonies and should be regarded as a prolegomenon to the modeling of insect societies. I have raised many more questions than are answered. My intent has been to formulate these questions in precise terms. A concisely posed question is, however, only the first step toward understanding a phenomenon; the value of a model lies not only in its capacity to explain the unknown but also to suggest new experiments. If the models developed herein provoke such experimentation, my efforts will have been amply rewarded.