Science Unlocks Big Head Mode For Ants

Scientists have discovered that a dab of hormones can turn average ants into bobble-headed supersoldiers.

According to a study from McGill Univeristy in Canada, any of the 1000-plus species in the Pheidole genus are capable of producing the much large, giant-headed ants pictured to the right. These ant "supersoldiers" do come naturally, albeit very seldom, in specially well-stall-fed ant colonies, merely Ehab Abouheif has found a way to breed them consistently.

Pismire growth and development is contained past their exposure to juvenile endocrine while in their larval state. Larvae exposed to limited amounts of the hormone become smaller, worker ants, while those exposed to a certain minimum door become more than larger soldier ants. Information technology turns verboten that in most species there is a second threshold controlling the production of supersoldiers. Supersoldier ants are long bigger than their regular soldier counterparts and utilize their comically oversized noggins to block nest entrances should opposition ants draw almost.

Abouheif believes the supersoldiers are an biological process throwback that ant colonies experience found some use for. He posits that many species, non just ants, power display such atavisms, just only in societal environments, like that of an ant hive, would the throwbacks be viable.

"Ants are care human race in a way. We take care of the less fortunate in our guild," says Abouheif. "As long as these anomalies can be fed, they'll be taken care of," says Abouheif. "If we were studying a solitary being, we'd pretermit this completely."

And now, I bet I'm going to see a lot of "I, for uncomparable, wanted our new insect overlords," references in the comments. In fact, you could say I anticipate them.

Source: Webpronews Envision Via The Daily Mail

https://www.escapistmagazine.com/science-unlocks-big-head-mode-for-ants/

Source: https://www.escapistmagazine.com/science-unlocks-big-head-mode-for-ants/

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