Why Can Ants Survive Big Falls?
WouterDespite their size, ants can survive big falls. They do not take any physical damage from the fall. The exoskeleton of the ant is a deformable armor. It also braces the ant’s body for impact.
Some species of ants can build very elaborate anthills, which tower many feet into the air. These anthills contain tunnels that can be used for nesting, storage and food raising. These tunnels can reach depths of several feet below the ground.
Ants can also survive falls from heights that would be fatal for humans. Some ants are able to survive a fall from a skyscraper. A recent study found that ants dropped from different heights could land on solid wood flooring.
The ant’s outer skeleton is made of a hard substance called chitin. It is similar to keratin. It is the only thing that holds the ant together. It is also extremely strong.
Unlike humans, ants do not have a strong immune system. They are also very light. This allows them to overcome air resistance and fall slowly. They can also survive cold temperatures. They are also immune to desiccation.
The name “autothysis” comes from the Greek word thysia, meaning sacrifice. During this process, the ant sprays poison around the area. This is because the ant can sense damage, but does not feel pain.
The best way to explain the ant’s ability to survive big falls is to consider what they have to protect themselves. Their exoskeleton is made of several layers, which work together to spread the impact. They also have several clotting mechanisms, which stop bleeding.
