Ant Behavior and Ecology

Ants have been waging wars for over 100 million years, with army ants being particularly formidable. They hunt in large numbers, overwhelming prey with sheer force. While some species flee or build defenses, others like leafcutter ants mount strong defenses. Despite their efforts, army ants often prevail due to their numbers. Ant warfare is a constant, with some species forming supercolonies that span continents. Ants' success lies in their collaboration, but war remains a central aspect of their existence.

What percentage of the entire animal biomass on land do ants make up?

• 30%

• 10%

• 20%

• 40%

How many species are there in the army ant group?

• 100

• 150

• 250

• 200

What is a unique characteristic of army ants compared to other ants?

• They build large nests

• They have a nomadic lifestyle

• They are solitary hunters

• They are herbivores

Why do army ants not fight each other?

• They have a mutual agreement

• They are too weak

• They are different species

• They evolved to avoid self-destruction

What defensive strategy do some ant species use against army ants?

• Building larger nests

• Creating living bunkers

• Forming alliances with wasps

• Using chemical weapons

What is the primary diet of the army ant species Nomamyrmex esenbeckii?

• Plant leaves

• Small mammals

• Larvae of other ants

• Fruits

How do leafcutter ants respond to an army ant attack?

• They hide underground

• They alert their soldiers and prepare defenses

• They negotiate with the attackers

• They flee immediately

What happens if leafcutter ants fail to repel an army ant invasion?

• They form an alliance

• They lose their queen

• They relocate their colony

• Their brood is stolen

What is a notable feature of supercolonies formed by some ant species?

• They are peaceful

• They are limited to one continent

• They cover thousands of square kilometers

• They are led by a single queen

What is a constant aspect of ant existence according to the video?

• War

• Peaceful coexistence

• Migration

• Isolation