Abstract
My thesis research focuses on the importance of flower color in relation to pollinator preferences. I was inspired to carry out this ecological field experiment to learn more about bee vision patterns as well as have the experience of conducting my own research outdoors. Experimental trials were conducted on the LIU Post campus to determine whether bees are more attracted to pink or blue Bachelors Buttons (Centaurea cyanus). While we determined that there was a significant difference between interactions with pink and blue flowers, future researchers must test a larger population size of flowers to be sure of this trend and may test flowers in different locations to understand bee behavioral dynamics. Further studies may include training schedules so that bees will interact more with experimental flowers.
Keywords
Honeybees, Bachelors buttons, pollination, behavioral analysis
Document Type
Thesis
Year of Completion
2018
Advisor
Dr. Daniel Hanley
Academic Department
Biology
Recommended Citation
Pollet, Samantha, "How Blue Are Your Buttons? An Experiment in Bee Color Perception and Pollinator Preference" (2018). Undergraduate Honors College Theses 2016-. 42.
https://digitalcommons.liu.edu/post_honors_theses/42