What If Ants Were the Size of Humans?
WouterConsidering the tiny size of ants, it may be surprising to learn that they are strong enough to lift a car or house. The average ant is capable of lifting about ten to fifty times its own weight. The ant’s muscles have a larger cross-sectional area than those of larger animals, enabling it to lift heavy objects.
The average human can lift about 580 pounds above their head, though most struggle to lift 99 pounds. Assuming a human’s average height is 5’7″, the largest ant on the planet would be about five centimetres long.
The ant’s brain has been dubbed the smartest insect in the world. Scientists estimate it contains about 250,000 brain cells. While ants don’t have centralized control, they do have an aural system with defence mechanisms.
If the ant were enlarged to human size, it would be less able to lift its bodyweight and it would suffer from an increased temperature. It would also have a tough time securing its own breath because its spiracles would be unable to supply enough oxygen.
The Saharan silver ant is the fastest ant on earth, clocking a speed of 855 millimeters per second. If a human were sized like an ant, the speed of light would still be a major feat.
The ant’s most impressive feat is that it can run at 800 times its body length a minute. If a human was sized like an ant, it would be able to run at 83km or 52 miles per hour.
