The stubborn insistence of a fly that repeatedly tries to access our food dish from which we chase it away with our hand can make us believe that the insect is experiencing growing frustration and that its recklessness is born of anger. Perhaps there is some truth in the fact that the behaviors of the flies are similar to the one described.
The scientists concluded that flies can become angry and engage in aggressive behavior when something, such as a gentle tap, repeatedly prevents them from accessing food they have detected.
A few years ago, these scientists, in particular the team of biologist David Anderson, from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in the United States, conducted a series of experiments of this type.
The conclusion they came to after seeing the results of their experiments was that a very specific behavior of fruit flies, described as threatening and attacking behavior, reflects an emotion that can be classified as anger.
Flies that behave in this aggressive manner, like the one on the right in the photo, become angry.
(Photo: Eric Hoopfer/Caltech)
Anger therefore appears to be an evolutionary important emotion, as it is also present in the tiny brains of these flies, which only has around 20,000 neurons. (Fountain: NCYT by Amazings)
Time.news Interview: The Mind of a Fly – An Exploration with Dr. Emily Carter
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we dive deep into fascinating topics. Today, we have Dr. Emily Carter, an entomologist and expert in insect behavior. She’s here to shed light on the seemingly endless determination of flies. Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share what I know about these remarkable little creatures.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. We often see flies buzzing around, persistently trying to access places that seem out of reach. What drives that kind of behavior?
Dr. Carter: Great question! Flies, especially the common housefly, have a strong survival instinct. Their persistence is often linked to their quest for food. They rely heavily on their sense of smell to locate organic materials, so if they sense something appealing nearby, they’ll keep trying to get to it.
Editor: It seems a bit stubborn, doesn’t it? Why don’t they give up more easily when they encounter obstacles?
Dr. Carter: It does seem stubborn! But from a behavioral perspective, their persistence is a survival trait. In the wild, giving up could mean missing out on needed nutrients. Their brains are wired to maximize their chances of survival, so they have an almost instinctual drive to overcome barriers.
Editor: That’s fascinating. You mentioned their sense of smell — how does it work in terms of navigation?
Dr. Carter: Flies possess highly developed olfactory receptors that allow them to detect scents from a distance. They can differentiate between various odors and will often follow a scent trail. This capability is crucial when looking for food sources or mates.
Editor: So, when a fly keeps banging against a window, it’s not just being annoying — it’s trying to reach a goal?
Dr. Carter: Exactly! Although it may look like mindless banging, the fly is actually attempting to navigate toward the scent of food or something intriguing just beyond that glass barrier. Unfortunately, they often lack the understanding of the transparent surfaces that block their path.
Editor: I suppose we can all relate to the frustration of wanting something just out of reach. Do you think there’s anything we can learn from the persistence of flies?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely! Flies teach us about the importance of perseverance. While their approach might seem futile, they follow their instincts. In our lives, applying that same level of determination can help us achieve our goals, even if we encounter obstacles along the way.
Editor: That’s a great takeaway. Dr. Carter, before we wrap up, what’s one surprising fact about flies that many people don’t know?
Dr. Carter: Most people are shocked to learn that flies can taste with their feet! Their taste receptors are located on their legs, which allows them to land on a surface and quickly decide if it’s suitable for feeding, laying eggs, or other activities.
Editor: Wow, that’s definitely surprising! Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Dr. Carter. It’s clear that flies, in all their stubbornness, have a lot to teach us about persistence and survival.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! Remember, every creature has its story, and flies are no exception.
Editor: This has been a captivating discussion. Stay tuned for more interviews on the intriguing connections between nature and our everyday lives here at Time.news!