Ants are known for making extensive networks of tunnels that create an anthill at their entrances. But not all species live underground. The queens and their mates generally grow wings which are discarded after use (both wings and males). An ant colony can be seen as a single organism with only the only important genetics being of the queen and her male offspring designed to mate with other queens. Some ants tame or domesticate other species, such as aphids or pill bugs. Ants have a complex system of chemical communication, they can learn, and teach each other new behaviors. An individual of a specialized cast that is biologically set for a certain function can even learn to fulfill the role of another cast should the need arise.
Zerothis -
# 2009-08-06 22:02:37