In the tropical rainforests of South America, there is a group of unassuming creatures called leafcutter ants. They are extraordinary ants with “intelligence” beyond man’s imagination. Research suggests that the leafcutter ants mastered the art of agricultural planting much earlier than human beings. Experts say that these unassuming creatures hold tremendous research value.
Leafcutter ants engaged in agriculture before humans
In the animal kingdom, it is scarce for a species to be able to engage in agriculture. Nevertheless, in the case of leafcutter ants, this happens. According to researchers, there is a clear division of labor among the leafcutter ants. The worker ants, responsible for planting daily, will go out in groups to cut the leaves and transport them back to their nests, where they will be processed and used as “seeds” to cultivate fungus that will be their primary food.
To ensure smooth transportation and planting, there are soldier ants among the worker ants responsible for protecting the team and supervising the work. Whenever there is any danger, the soldier ants will rush forward and fight against the intruders to death.
Of course, the heaviest work is done by worker ants, and they work differently according to age. When worker ants reach old age, they will be assigned to manage the waste and refuse. This is because some harmful fungi will be produced while cultivating the fungus.
Once these harmful fungi invade the entire ant population, there will be a risk of mass extermination. To avoid accidents, the elderly worker ants are responsible for managing and treating these harmful fungi; of course, many of them will be killed.
Leafcutter ants in armour
Nature is full of wonders. During years of research, scientists have found bio-mineral components in the bodies of some marine organisms.
Simply put, it is the presence of insoluble calcium salts in or on the body of an organism, usually found mainly on the organism’s bones, teeth, and shell.
This bio-mineral is mainly used to protect the organism itself; for example, it is contained in the shells of lobsters. To scientists’ surprise, this amazing bio-mineral is also found in the body of leafcutter ants. This layer of bio-minerals serves as a protective layer for the body of leafcutter ants, which is like armor against fungal attack.
Studies have found that the exoskeletal armor of leafcutter ants is covered with magnesium-rich calcite and grows with their development.
The studies suggest that it protects the worker ants because many disease-causing fungi are produced while cultivating edible fungi. The bio-mineralized body armor of the leafcutter ants can protect them from being infected by these fungi.
The leafcutter ant colony has its production, management, and social activities. Not only do they know how to farm, but also how to avoid and prevent the spread of disease-causing fungi in their populations. They are intelligent and full of incredible “wisdom” in arranging each process well.
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