Can Wasps Recognize Human Faces?
WouterDespite the fact that humans have a remarkably complex visual system, can wasps recognize human faces? Scientists have known about the ability of some wasps to recognize human faces for a while. They’ve also noted that some wasp species are quite intelligent.
One example is the Polistes fuscatus, a paper wasp with a brain about a million times smaller than a human’s. In particular, the brain of this insect is very good at face recognition.
Researchers used population genomics to investigate the evolution of cognition in the Northern paper wasp. In addition, they analyzed patterns of genetic variation within species. They found that species with similar genes exhibited similar patterns of facial recognition.
It was also found that species with more complex face processing exhibited more efficient individual recognition. It was also found that species that lack an innate ability to recognize faces may never have a chance to make up for it.
In short, the answer to the question of whether wasps can recognize human faces is a resounding yes. Some wasp species are even capable of recognizing the faces of their own peers.
Researchers used a variety of techniques to test the ability of wasps to distinguish between human faces. First, they tested whether the inner parts of a face were similar to the outer parts. They used a Plexiglas box and wooden training box to test the wasps’ reaction to different images. They found that wasps were more likely to choose the correct image when they could see the entire face. They also found that the inner parts of a face had a natural level of variation.
