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Science Nation: Social Insects

5 minutes 12 seconds

Now Playing As: Captioned (English) (change)

Michael Goodisman is digging up the dirt on yellow jackets' peculiar lives by studying their nests, behavior, and genetic make-up. With support from the National Science Foundation, he is getting a better understanding of what drives their complex family relationships. Yellow jackets, like honey bees and fire ants, exist in a sophisticated social hierarchy. Unlike other animals that travel in packs or swim together, these social insects will literally sacrifice their own survival in support of their hives, nests, and colonies.

Media Details

Runtime: 5 minutes 12 seconds

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Grade Level: 7 - 12
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Episode 2
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