A study at Rockefeller University examined clonal raider ants, which reproduce asexually so researchers can make genetically identical lines for experiments. Chemical tests showed colonies use the same waxy compounds but mix them in different ratios to create distinct colony scents.
Baseline tests found ants often act aggressively toward foreign genotypes. To test flexibility, the team put young ants with faint chemical profiles into foreign colonies. After one month of continuous exposure, those ants chemically matched their foster colony and were not attacked when tested separately.
However, ants separated from kin at the egg stage still accepted their own genotype. If contact with the foster colony stopped, aggression returned in about a week, but occasional short encounters could maintain tolerance.
Difficult words
- clonal — coming from one parent and genetically identical
- reproduce — to make new animals or plants
- genotype — the genetic make-up of an individualgenotypes
- colony — a group of animals living togethercolonies
- exposure — time when someone is near or in contact
- aggression — hostile or violent behavior toward others
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Discussion questions
- Do you think short meetings can help ants stay accepted by a colony? Why or why not?
- Would you expect other animals to change after living with a different group? Give one example.
- Why is it useful for researchers to use genetically identical animals for experiments?
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