Page 32 - The Miracle in the Ant

from the nest come to the aid of the hunters. Whatever happens, no
problems arise in the consumption of the food and its transportation to
the nest, because what we have here is perfect "team work".
Another example relates to the explorer ants who migrate from one
nest to another. These ants advance towards the old nest from the new-
ly found nest by leaving a trace behind. Other workers examine the new
nest and if they are convinced, they also start leaving their own
pheromones (chemical traces) on top of the old trace. Therefore, the
ants going between the two nests increase in number and these prepare
the nest. During this work, the worker ants do not stay idle. They set up
a certain organization and division of labour between themselves. The
tasks assumed group-wide by the ants who detect the new nest are as
follows:
1. Acting as gatherers in the new area.
2. Coming to the new area and keeping watch.
3. Following the guards to receive the meeting instruction.
4. Making a detailed survey of the area.
Of course, we cannot take it for granted without pondering at all that
this perfect action plan has been in practice by the ants since day one
of their existence, because the division of labour required by such a plan
may not have been applied by individuals who thought only of their
own lives and interests. Then the following question comes to mind:
"Who has been inspiring this plan in the ants for millions of years and
who ensures its application?" Naturally, great intellect and power are
needed for the incredibly superior group communication required by
this action plan. The truth of the matter is obvious. Allah, the Creator of
all living beings and possessor of infinite wisdom, shows us the way to
being able to comprehend His power by displaying to us this systemat-
ic world of the ants.

Chemical Communications

All of the communication categories listed above may be grouped un-
der the heading of: "Chemical Signals". These chemical signals play the
most important role in the organization of ant colonies. Semiochemicals
is the general name given to the chemicals the ants utilize for the pur-
pose of establishing communication. Basically, there are two kinds of
semiochemicals: Their names are pheromones and allomones.

Kar›nca Mucizesi
32 THE MIRACLE IN THE ANT