十万个为什么·科学阅读30篇（2）

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蜜蜂如何探测花朵周围的电场？

Flowers generate weak electric fields when bees approach due to air friction and pollen transfer.
Bees carry a positive charge as they fly, making them sensitive to floral electric signals.
Tiny hairs on their bodies bend in response to field changes, sending neural signals to the brain.
This ability helps bees distinguish recently visited flowers, which have temporarily altered fields.
Experiments show bees choose charged artificial flowers over neutral ones when foraging.
Electric cues work alongside color and scent to improve pollination efficiency significantly.
The detection system evolved independently from vision or smell, adding a 'sixth sense'.
Scientists used high-speed cameras and electrostatic sensors to map field interactions precisely.
Some orchids mimic electric patterns of rewarding flowers to deceive pollinators.
Understanding this helps design better pollinator-friendly crops and conservation strategies.