A breakthrough discovery of Polish scientists. The behavior of the “rescue ant” is amazing
Polish scientists made a breakthrough discovery. By examining ants, they diagnosed their altruistic behavior. Why are they so eager to help each other?
Dr. Filip Turza from the Jagiellonian University points out that the strange behavior of ants is related to life expectancy. The researcher claims that ants that live longer show a greater tendency to help. He adds that these are one of the few species of invertebrates that show rescue behavior, such as wound treatment or help in escaping from the trap.
Interestingly, this phenomenon does not depend on the relationship between species. Team of dr. Turzy conducted experiments on 14 different species of ants, analyzing over 10,000 individuals and at the same time performing 3.5 thousand behavioral tests.
The analysis showed that the longer workers live, the greater their tendency to help others. This is logical from the perspective of evolution: saving is a costly and risky strategy, profitable only if the saved individual has a long period of activity ahead of him – explained Dr. Turz.
“Rescuers’ ants” have their own rescue system?
The scientist points out that “rescuers’ ants” have extremely complex rescue procedures. They can, among other things, contact with a trapped companion, pull him behind the legs, and are even able to dig up the sand around him.
I am very interested in what exactly such an imprisoned worker releases or how he behaves, that it arouses a willingness to help in the second ant. They can be various types of pheromones, but there can also be specific movements. In addition, it is known that some species of ants can make sounds thanks to a special unridular organ. So the question arises whether it is one of these factors or maybe the layout of them all. A lot is still ahead of us to do in the context of ants research He said.
However, the researcher pointed out that the mentioned “altruism” in ants has a more pragmatic ground than one could suppose. It turns out that saving the companion from oppression will make him be able to contribute to the development of the colony. This means that helping is simply profitable for ants.
