Page 34 - The Miracle in the Ant

Many people do not even know the meaning of "pheromone" –
something that ants secrete continuously in their daily lives. Yet, each
new-born ant performs in a perfect social communication system be-
cause of these chemicals; a social communication system which leaves
no room for doubting the existence of a Creator with infinite power…

Endocrine Glands

There are basically a few endocrine glands where the complex chem-
ical reactions we have talked about so far take place. Secretions pro-
duced in six endocrine glands provide this inter-ant chemical corre-
spondence. However, these hormones do not display the same charac-
teristics in each species of ant; each endocrine gland has a separate func-
tion in different species of ants. Now let us take a close look at these
endocrine glands:
Dufour’s Glands: The hormones produced in these glands are used
in commands for alarm and meeting for attack.
The Venom Sack: An extensive formic acid production takes place
in the venom sack. Also the venom which is produced to be used dur-
ing attack and defence is formed here. The best example of this hor-
mone is found in the fire ant. The venom of these ants may paralyse
small animals and hurt human beings.
In a forest inhabited by ants who produce formic acid, researchers
found formic acid at a level that could not be explained. All theories that
were set forth were proven wrong and all research done produced no
results. Eventually the shared belief of the scientists developed in the fol-
lowing manner:
The formic acid in the forest was formed by the acid produced by
evaporation of the acid produced by ants, resulting in ecological
changes. That is, these micro-creatures are able to produce and, when
needed, utilize acid, on a scale that can even influence the atmosphere
of the region they live in without any harm coming to themselves and
this perplexes the researchers. 10
Pygidial Glands: Three different species of ants use the secretions
produced by these glands as their alarm system. The large desert har-
vester ant transmits this hormone in the form of a strong smell and is-
sues a panic alarm; and the Pheidole biconstricta, which is a species of
ant living in south America, utilizes the secretion it produces in these

Kar›nca Mucizesi
34 THE MIRACLE IN THE ANT