Why Can Ants Fall and Not Get Hurt?
WouterSeveral factors help ants survive a fall. These include a sturdy, hard exoskeleton, an impressive climb-ability, and a slow speed.
The exoskeleton is a combination of multiple layers made from a tough substance called chitin. It also acts as a shock absorber. This is one of the reasons why ants can survive a fall of up to 100 feet.
Despite their diminutive size, ants are able to withstand drops that would kill a man. They are also one of the most resilient animals on earth.
The biggest factor in ants’ survival is their skeleton, which is different than the interior skeletons of most mammals. It’s also one of the reasons why ants can climb almost any surface.
The small, light ant can absorb about a third of the energy that a man does, which is why it’s able to survive a fall of about 100 feet. Even larger ants will get a tiny bit of shock from rough surfaces.
The ant’s brain is also impressive. In fact, it’s distributed throughout the ant’s body. The ant’s nervous system is also one of the most powerful in the animal kingdom.
While the ant is not the only creature capable of the above feat, it is the most impressive.
The ant’s best trick is its ability to dissipate kinetic energy. This is achieved through the ant’s small size, low weight, and strong air resistance. This causes the ant to slow down, but not to the point where it dies.
