- Ant colonies must tell friends from foes.
- A new study shows ants can learn smells.
- Researchers used laboratory ant colonies for tests.
- Ants have a smell from waxy body compounds.
- Colonies mix the same compounds in different ratios.
- Young ants placed in new nests learn smells.
- After time they are not attacked anymore.
- If contact stops, the learned calm goes away.
- But some ants keep a natural self-sense.
- This helps colonies live and survive together.
Difficult words
- colony — A group of ants living together.colonies
- learn — To get new knowledge or a skill.learned
- compound — A chemical made of two or more parts.compounds
- ratio — The relative amount of two things.ratios
- waxy — Soft and greasy like candle wax.
- survive — To continue living after danger or trouble.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you seen ants living together near your home?
- Do you think animals can learn smells?
- Do you think learning helps ants live together?
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