Once upon a time a myth was born that insects, unlike animals, are just a machines that not capable of learning and survive only based on their instincts. That myth has become the widespread opinion. Of course, this opinion is indeed erroneous, like many other widespread opinions. Let us try to find out which part is a myth and which part is true.

Wrestlers participate during the traditional Sindhi Malakhra wrestling in Larkana, Pakistan, 30 January 2021. A Malakhra match begins with both wrestlers tying a twisted cloth around the opponent's waist. Each one then holds onto the opponent's waistcloth and tries to throw him to the ground. (Photo by Waqar Hussein/EPA/EFE)

Staff members clean the court during the Women's Preliminary Round - Pool B volleyball match between China and Argentina on day ten of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Arena on August 2, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters)

A man stands near smoke billowing from a brick kiln in Karachi, Pakistan, 14 December 2018. According to the UN report, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have increased for the first time in four years. The United Nations Conference COP24, held in Katowice, Poland, until 14 December 2018, searches for a common position in the fight against climate change. (Photo by Shahzaib Akber/EPA/EFE)

Japanese–British singer-songwriter and model Rina Sawayama, date unknown. (Photo by Press Handout for SFTW)

A pelican on a lake in California in the first decade of January 2024 deftly snares a large trout after scooping it up, tossing it into the air and catching it in its bill. (Photo by Jiahong Zeng/Solent news)

Pakistani laborers transport the front portion of a vehicle using a handcart at a road in Peshawar, Pakistan, Monday, August 3, 2015. (Photo by Mohammad Sajjad/AP Photo)

Participants take part in the annual Great Spitalfields Pancake Race in aid of London's Air Ambulance in London, Britain February 9, 2016. (Photo by Stefan Wermuth/Reuters)