Location: 01ᴼ33' S, 92ᴼ23' W
Day 53 / March 28 / day 1.5 of passage/taco Thursday \ A small branch population of 27 individuals was observed around equatorial latitudes on a floating mass approximately 60 nm from the nearest land. This group exhibits high organizational levels and social stratification but poor executive function. Furthermore, their behavior deviates significantly from that of their mother species. Field notes from today: 1. A group of 8 individuals took charge of floating mass from 0000 to 0400. Individuals 8, 12, 25, 28, 20, 27 led by 4 and 6. This group deviated significantly from other groups in a multitude of ways. They displayed equal division of labor, as each of the six lower-ranked ones turned a large wheel in circles for 40 minutes. Additionally, this subgroup was far more visually attractive, indicating higher reproductive potential. 2. Two main feeding times took place: one at 1200 and another at 1700. All food was prepared by individuals 17, (Anton), and 24. The group deemed their performance satisfactory, and all were permitted to remain on the mass. 2.1. It seems noteworthy that after each feeding, the hive takes on a variety of maintenance roles. If an individual’s task is not well executed, they will be excluded from the next feeding. After several infractions, the higher-ranking individuals may deem them inadequate and throw them off the mass. 3. In several instances, water was extracted from the ocean and cleaned. They then use water to rub onto contaminated areas of the mass and return water to the ocean. This could be interpreted as intelligent or very unintelligent. 4. The colony appears to be using large triangular cloths for motor purposes. However, they appear to be moving away from land toward absolutely nothing. It would be in their best interest to re-evaluate their strategies. 27 sends her love to her family and dog back home.