Page 44 - The Miracle in the Ant

lthough all ants may seem alike, they are divided into many different
species based on their lifestyles and physical attributes. These living be-
ings in fact have approximately 8800 species. Each species also has spe-
cial admirable attributes. Now, let us discuss some of these species, their
lifestyles and characteristics.

Leaf Cutter Ants
The specific characteristic of the leaf cutter ants also called "atta," is
their habit of transporting the leaf pieces that they cut out on their heads.
The ants hide under leaves that are quite large compared to their own
sizes. These they secure in their closely shut chins. Therefore, the return
voyage of worker ants after a day’s work presents a very interesting pic-
ture. Anyone who sees this happening would feel as if the floor of the
forest were alive and walking. In rain forests their actions remove about
19
15 percent of leaf production. The reason for their carrying leaf pieces
is, of course, not protection from the sun. Ants do not utilize these leaf
pieces as food either. Then, in what way do they use so many leaves?
It has been discovered that, surprisingly, Attas use these leaves in the
production of mushrooms. Ants cannot eat the leaves themselves, be-
cause they do not have enzymes in their bodies that could digest the cel-
lulose in the leaves. Worker ants make a heap of these leaf pieces after
chewing them and keep them in the rooms of the nest underground. In
these chambers, they raise mushrooms on the leaves. This way, they ob-
tain the required protein from the shoots of the mushrooms. 20
However, when Attas are removed, the garden would normally be-
gin to deteriorate and would soon be overwhelmed by weed fungi.

Kar›nca Mucizesi
44 THE MIRACLE IN THE ANT