How Do Ants Become Immune to Poison?
WouterWhether ants become immune to poison or not depends on the species, genetic structure, and environment. Some species are susceptible to common insecticides, while other ants have evolved resistance to them.
Ants are a group of venomous organisms that dominate most terrestrial environments. Various species of ants are solitary hunters or colonize nests. They have evolved a venom apparatus and a system to defend themselves. These characteristics have enabled them to survive in an environment that is dangerous to most other organisms. Ants have also become adept at protecting themselves from poisons. In fact, it is possible to kill some ants in one nest, and other ants in another nest.
Most ants are related genetically. There are about 13,165 species of ants known. They are divided into 16 subfamilies. They are grouped by their taxonomic classification and genetic structure. Ants are closely related to other animals such as spiders, snakes, and bees. They also have their own unique physiology. They have evolved a set of antennae to detect poisons.
Most ants are protected by their nests, which have kept them alive for millions of years. The nests are deep underground, allowing them to withstand the physical forces that are present in the surrounding environment. Ant colonies have multiple queens. Each queen chooses her own nest location. Ants have also evolved a means of protecting themselves from poisons, which includes ingestion of acidic secretions from their poison glands.
In vitro studies show that formicine ants survive acidic conditions. They also actively swallow antimicrobial poison gland secretion. This may be one of the mechanisms that protect them from infection.
