Today's interesting fact has to do with Swarm Intelligence.

If you have watched a cloud of starlings, a swarm of ants, or a shoal of fish turning and moving, you might be forgiven for thinking that some form of intelligence was required. But it has been shown that simple equations can explain the behaviour.

Swarm Intelligence is shown however when a group of animals makes a decision that affects the whole group. Such as when bees swarm to find a new home.

But humans also can display swarm intelligence. Take a jar, fill it with beans, and then ask various individuals how many beans are in the jar, without letting them discuss their guesses. Apparently, more often than not, an average of the answer, is likely to be closest to the correct answer.

This only works when discussions are not allowed, as a percentage of the population seems to be able to sway others opinion, to such a degree, that the others will accept these opinions, without actually guessing.