9 Unknown Facts About Ants

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Communication Through Chemicals

Ants communicate via chemicals called pheromones, leaving scent trails to guide others to food or to signal danger, acting as their language.

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Complex Societies

Ant colonies consist of workers, soldiers, and a queen. The queen's role is to lay eggs, while workers maintain the colony.

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Impressive Strength

Despite their small size, ants are incredibly strong. They can carry objects many times their body weight.

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Ants Farm Aphids

Some ants 'farm' aphids, protecting them from predators and 'milking' them for honeydew, a sugary liquid the aphids produce.

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Ability to Swim

Certain ant species can swim. Fire ants, for example, create rafts by linking together to float on water during floods.

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Varied Diets

Ants are omnivorous and feed on a wide range of items, including other insects, nectar, seeds, and even fungi.

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Global Distribution

Ants can be found on every continent except Antarctica, showcasing their adaptability to diverse environments.

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Longevity

The lifespan of an ant varies among different species. Some worker ants live for a few months, while queen ants can survive for decades.

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Ecosystem Engineers

Ants play a crucial role in ecosystems. They aerate soil, disperse seeds, and are essential for decomposition.

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