Why Do Ants Give Up Their Food When They Are Crowded?
WouterSeveral studies have looked at the effect of crowding at a food source on the individual choice of ants. They found that ants were more likely to recruit to a food source when it was not occupied.
Crowding may also lead to overexploitation of a food source. Ants have also been shown to deposit less pheromone on a crowded trail. In Lasius niger ants, there was a reduction in pheromone depositions when the trail was crowded.
Ant colonies are typically social eaters, meaning that queens depend on workers for protection and resources. They also store food in a balloon-like sac called the crop. The contents are then pumped into the digestive tract.
Ant colonies live for 20 to 30 years. Queen ants may leave the nest during mating flights or if the nest is threatened. The colony may also change its shape in the morning.
Ants have other sensory modalities that allow them to find their way back to the nest. They also have antennae to help them locate food. The nest is usually oval-shaped, with a small white egg inside.
Ant colonies are altruistic and they care for the queen’s offspring. However, they do not have the emotional or cognitive faculties of other species. They do not experience pain or fear.
Ant colonies have been shown to be relatively stable over time. Generally, older colonies act more wisely than younger colonies. However, younger colonies are more likely to react to disturbances.
