Many times we take everything we see in nature for granted, but in all honesty most of Nature's creations are nothing short of a miracle! From Listverse, this article about the honey bee proves it!
Honeycomb
Not only are bees stellar honey producers—it seems they also have a knack for geometry. For thousands of years, humans have marveled at the perfect hexagonal figures in honeycombs and wondered how bees can instinctively create a shape humans can only reproduce with a ruler and compass. The honeycomb is a case of wallpaper symmetry, where a repeated pattern covers a plane (e.g. a tiled floor or a mosaic).
How and why do bees have a hankering for hexagons? Well, mathematicians believe that it is the perfect shape to allow bees to store the largest possible amount of honey while using the least amount of wax. Other shapes, like circles for instance, would leave a gap between the cells since they don’t fit together exactly.
Other observers, who have less faith in the ingenuity of bees, think the hexagons form by “accident.” In other words, the bees simply make circular cells and the wax naturally collapses into the form of a hexagon. Either way, it’s all a product of nature —and it’s pretty darn impressive.
With just such an "accident" of Nature, she far exceeds the bounds of what man can do! Just my opinion, you understand.
Let's have coffee out on the patio this morning. No rain in the forecast for today.
7 comments:
What some folks forget is that the bee didn't design the comb, the LORD did!
Honey! Can't live without it! We have several bee keepers around here so there is usually a good supply. Interesting how they make it - I'm just glad they do! In honor of these productive little critters - I'll bring honey buns for all!
Phyllis (N/W Jersey)
I've examined empty yellow jacket nests and wondered the same thing as well. I had wondered if the shape was formed by the individual's diameter reach as it formed the cell. I've wondered if there is a 'chief architect' insect involved (Hey you - yeah, long hair and the beard - yeah, move that wall a hair to the right, okay?). What decides where the nest will be placed ? Are these nests built only near certain materials?
More questions than answers - Thanks HermitJim.
I have always been fascinated by bees and their honeycombs. It is just too perfect to be an accident. Coffee outside sounds good. I need some warm weather to take the chill out of my old bones.
Hey Gorges...
The Lord's hand is visible in all things if we take the time to look!
How we can look on something like the honeycomb, a sunset, the beauty of a field of flowers, and think that it's all done by "accident" is beyond me!
Thanks for coming over today!
Hey Phyllis...
Bring on the honey buns!
You did know that honey is considered by many to be the perfect food, right? The only food that never expires or goes bad! It will not spoil!
Thanks so much for coming by this morning!
Hey Anon 7:01...
Makes us feel more than a little humble, or at least it should!
Thanks for the visit this morning!
Hey Linda...
I feel that there are no accidents in Nature! Way too many wonders to behold!
Pretty nice weather here today! Spring at last!
Thanks for dropping by today!
Look up Microscopic photos of Bee eye's ... 'The bee photographer' has a very good image.(no relation to me) i'm sure there are others.
Notice anything?...
i think it's a Mahvelous design..
~Have a Blessed and Buzzing M~Day!!
They are also good housekeepers.
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