E157: How do groups of ants make shared decisions? [SJK Audio Edition]

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-do-groups-of-ants-make-shared-decisions/  or watch at: https://youtu.be/kvr4f2NfooE

Summary: Researchers wanted to discover which group decision-making strategy weaver ants used when transporting their prey back to the nest.

Abstract: Have you ever noticed that animals living in groups tend to work together? For example, African elephants typically walk in a line for safety and follow the age and experience of the oldest and largest female. This is called “follow the leader” strategy. But what about the humble ant? Ants often work together to transport large food items back to their nest. Since ants can’t talk to each other to make decisions, they must rely on other senses to work as a team. We wanted to find out how weaver ants cooperate to move large items. So, we observed ants in the lab trying to move objects. We discovered that no single ant takes the lead. Instead they pool their opinions to decide on which direction to go. This is known as the “wisdom of the crowd” strategy!

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