Ants Adapt Nest Architecture to Combat Epidemics: New Research Unveils Collective Defense Strategies in the Animal Kingdom
Scientists from the University of Bristol have scientifically demonstrated that ants possess the ability to modify the architectural structure of their nests in response to threats posed by infectious diseases, especially during epidemics.
This phenomenon is unprecedented, showcasing how animals can alter their environment autonomously to enhance collective protection.
According to the study, colonies affected by fungal or viral infections tend to build more complex and compartmentalized nests.
They widen entry points and reduce direct tunnels between chambers, creating specialized zones for storing food and caring for offspring, effectively limiting the spread of pathogens.
Researchers found that these structural modifications begin at the initial stages of digging underground, serving as a natural quarantine system within the colony.
Lead researcher Luke Lequi explained that these behavioral adaptations serve as an evolutionary mechanism to foster herd immunity, by isolating infected sections from healthy ones.
The ants employ a range of behaviors—from removing fungal spores with their mouths to self-isolating infected individuals—significantly reducing the risk of contagion across the colony.
Using advanced micro-CT scanning technology, scientists reconstructed 3D models of the nests to analyze how the architecture changes under microbial influence.
The findings demonstrated that these architectural modifications lower infection risks and enable the colony to better protect vital resources, such as food supplies and brood.
This research opens new avenues in bioengineering and social insect behavior, illustrating how collective decision-making and environmental adaptations serve as natural immune responses.
Understanding these mechanisms in ants could inspire innovative strategies in combating infectious diseases in human societies, highlighting nature’s resilience and ingenuity.