Page 52 - The Miracle in the Ant

nests in a few years by ants is comparable in difficulty and high stan-
dard of professionalism to man’s construction of the Great Wall of China.
This is proof that the Attas may not be regarded as ordinary simple
creatures. These ants, who are extremely hard working, are able to
achieve complex tasks that a man would find difficult to do. Indeed, the
only Possessor of might Who could have given them such skills is Allah.
To say that they have acquired all these skills on their own and of their
own accord would be illogical.

Leaf Cutting Technique of Attas
When the ant cuts the leaf with its mandibles, its whole body vi-
brates. Scientists have observed that this shaking fixes the leaves, thus
facilitating the cutting. At the same time, the sound serves to attract oth-
26
er workers-all females-to the site to finish off the leaf. The ant rubs two
small organs on his belly to produce this vibration that may be heard as
a very slight sound by human beings. This vibration is sent through the
body until reaching the sickle-like mandibles of the ant. By rapidly os-
cillating her hind end, this ant cuts out a crescent of leaf with vibrating
mandibles in much the same
manner as an electric carv-
ing knife.
This technique facilitates
the cutting of the leaf. Yet, it
is known that such vibra-
tions serve another purpose
as well. Seeing a leaf-cutting
ant attracts others to the
same place because many
other plants in the regions
where Attas live are poiso-
nous. The testing of each
leaf by an ant being such a
risky procedure, they always
go to locations where others
have successfully completed
their tasks.

Kar›nca Mucizesi
52 THE MIRACLE IN THE ANT