They really suck at flying

The common insect known as the bumble bee has long been a curious specimen in the science of aerodynamics. In fact, using calculations from the 1919 formulas for aerodynamics, it would show that “bumble bees shouldn't be able to fly.” While those calculations would most certainly be not completely accurate, the conclusion that I draw remains pretty much the same. In an article on sciencedaily.com, findings from a study at Oxford University have shown that bumble bees fly not by normal aerodynamics, but in fact the opposite. Bumble bees do not fly because they are shaped a certain way or use their wings in a certain way, rather, bumble bees use sheer force to fly. What is even stranger is that both the left and right wings of bumble bees' flap independently, which would not allow for even air flow to help lift the bumble bee in a helpful manner.

I would say the scientists were quite clever in their methods for this experiment. Using only a wind tunnel, smoke, and cameras able to capture 2000 pictures per second, the researchers were able to visualize the aerodynamics of the bumble bees' wings and bodies. The researchers used cut flowers as a source of pollen for the bees to collect from. Then, while the bees were flying, smoke was blown through the wind tunnel to provide a way to “see” the air and high speed cameras captured this on film.

I guess nature might be trying to say something. Something along the lines of, if you aren't quite built for the task, just use more power.