Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 774 Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 9:11 pm Post subject: Bumble Bees and That Wont Work
There is an old tale about how science says a bumble bee cannot fly. An interesting yarn but true science does not work that way. Whenever observation does not agree with theory, the theory is revised or discarded. This is a great way to point out gaps in knowledge and constitutes a learning process.
In truth the aerodynamic principle [wing area verses lift] applies to things with fixed wings, like a jumbo jet. A bumble bee could not fly with fixed wings. The bumble bee has adapted and by a particular motion of its tiny wings easily flies. This can just as easily be explained by scientific principle. I think the lesson is not a failing of science, rather a failure of some, to apply the proper science [theory.]
An additional lesson I see is adapting what we have is a key to success. The bumble bee could have realized its wings were very small in relation to its weight. Had the bumble bee simply applied the prevailing knowledge, it might be a flightless creature today. Could this have any implications in the auto repair trade?
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