5 replies to this topic

[IdioticMouse26]

Just thought it would be nice if we could all nerd out on why ants are so amazing. So this is my list of reasons why ants so darn fascinating.

 

1. The social structure.

Ants are, arguably, the most succesful organisim on earth. I would even consider them more succesful as a social organisim then humans.

2. Diversity. 

There are over 15,000 ant species currently discovered, with estimation of over 20000 exsisting on this planet.

3. Variety.

Ants come in a variety of amazing shapes and sizes, each fit for their own enviroments. There is just so many different shapes, some of them don't even look like ants!

4. Growth.

The speed in which they can grow into a thriving colony always amazes me. It's never boring or repetitive to start a new ant colony! 

5. Similiarity.

In many ways, ants are so similiar to humans. They build, store, farm, each ant has its own jobs and so much more! I think this is why I feel more connected with the ants. 

 

 

That was my list of why ants are so fascinating. I'll update if I think of more.

Feel free to add your own reasons!

[Stubyvast]

I got more! Join the nerdism!

 

6. Polymorphism. The way they can have different forms, such as Majors, minors, queens, and males, as all one species, is so amazing!!

 

7. Pheromone communication. Watching them on their trails is just so fun. 'Nuff said.

 

8. Environmental behaviour. Love how some nest in trees, other underground, others parasitically in other colonies' nests, nearby termite mounds to perform raids, under rocks and stones, and, of course, within our homes.

 

9. Slave making! Really cool to learn how ants can take over and steal other, genetically different colonies to serve them. 

[GOCAMPONOTUS]

Let me add one. 

 

10. parasitic ants, It is cool how these ants raid other colonies kill the queen and take over.

[IdioticMouse26]

Just thought of one:

 

11. behaviour.

The way ants use pheromes and work together as a unit without a commander is simply mind-boggling.

[Locness]

12. Strength. Ants are mind bogglingly strong. They are impressive warriors taking on prey many times their size, often fighting to the death.

[ZTYguy]

13. We can learn from them:

Ants have such an amazing dynamic with their environment, the organisms surrounding them, and with the adversities of each day. They are an organism that has stood the test of time by evolving and adapting better than any other organism to the point where they can successfully inhabit any part of the globe they want (h*ll it may even be possible to lab grow ants that can survive in Antarctica. Humans could truly learn a thing or two in our attempts to inhabit new planets and uncover the world which we live on because ants sure have uncovered more of our planet’s land then we have.