How Do Ants Help Each Other?
WouterUsing a large head and six legs, ants are small but mighty. They have a “hive mind” and are capable of solving complicated problems.
Using chemicals, sound and touch, they communicate with each other and form networks. They have been shown to build tunnels and rafts to help them survive flooded areas.
There are about 14,000 different species of ants. They have been around since the Cretaceous Period. They can be found from the Arctic Circle to southern Africa. They are adapted to survive in a variety of environments and have even survived the extinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago.
They are also known for their ability to heal cuts and punctures. They have been known to form networks of tunnels that are hundreds of feet deep. They are also known for using their antennae to find food. They will also scavenge and carry heavy items back to their nest.
Ants also work well as pest control. In some areas, they help disperse seeds and protect plants from herbivores. They also clean up dead animals and debris on the ground. They are also known to protect plants from parasitic fungi. They also use their mandibles to break up food.
They are also known to produce the best quality silk cocoons. The ants that make up the cocoons are larvae that are nurtured by adult ants. They receive a protein-rich diet. They will transform into adults. They will eventually lay down sperm cells for the queen.
