Do Ants Have a Gender?
WouterTraditionally, ants are known to have two genders, a male and a female. However, the fact is that most ant colonies have more females than males. They can even specialize in producing all-female offspring. Scientists are studying the genetic components that govern sex in these insects.
The sex of ants is determined by the number of chromosomes in a cell. The females have two genome copies, while the males have one. In addition, males usually have wings, while females only have them after mating.
The genetic components that govern sex in ants are ancient. Researchers are now studying how the genes operate in different environments, to learn when they play a larger role in determining sex.
Researchers are also studying how different breeding periods affect the sex ratio in an ant colony. They are especially interested in understanding how this genetic system helps worker ants maintain a diverse genetic pool.
In addition, male fire ants can fight over a gene that controls sex. Researchers are not sure why they fight over it, or how it works.
Other researchers have studied how female ants communicate and develop. They are known to speak in a motherly manner. They are also known to speak Japanese.
Female ants also have a complicated group behavior. They can aspire to become the Queen of their own colony. They can also change the colony to produce females. They can have short wings, and can live for up to 25 years.
