Scientists discover that bees count using only four brain cells

Bee brains have evolved to be so energy efficient that they may be able to count using only four nerve cells, scientists have found. Simulations with a brain model used just four nerve cells and found this simplistic organ would be able to count up to, and beyond, five. The small number of nerve cells needed to count indicates that brain size is not as important as brain organisation, scientists claim. Bee brains have evolved to be so energy efficient that they can count using only four brain cells, scientists have found. Simulations showed the simple brain was capable of counting small quantities by closely studying one item at a time.