Page 28 - The Miracle in the Ant

Self Organization in Ants

There is no leader, planning, or programming in the world of ants.
And the most important point is that there is no chain of command as
we mentioned before. The most complex duties in this society are car-
ried out without skipping a beat due to an immensely advanced self-or-
ganization. Consider the following example:
When food shortages occur in the colony, the worker ants are im-

In the first stage of nest building, members of the colony open a tiny hole, then ex-
pand into a labyrinth of chambers. In most of these sections, there are fungus gar-
dens. These gardens fill the chambers, which are located near the surface. Larger,
deeper pits hold decomposing plant detritus and waste. A few of these pits, oddly,
contain more soil than organic matter, as if a soil cover is needed for especially nox-
ious waste. Hot air rises from these refuse chambers. Cool, oxygen-rich air is drawn
into the nest. Openings directly above the nest are used only for excavation and
ventilation. Cavernous perimeter tunnels form a beltway some 7.5 meters from the
nest.
The most important point here is that this metropolis has been constructed by ants
who have not taken any architectural or agricultural courses whatsoever.

Kar›nca Mucizesi
28 THE MIRACLE IN THE ANT