Ants modify nests to reduce disease spread.
Ants modify nest architecture to reduce disease spread, showing behavior similar to human social distancing.
Why it matters
- Ants change nest structure to reduce disease transmission.
- Similar behavior to human social distancing measures.
- Disease management isn’t unique to humans.
By the numbers
- Two groups of 180 black garden ants studied.
- Increased distance between entrances by about 6 mm.
- Study conducted over six days.
The big picture
- Non-human animals modify their environment to mitigate disease risk.
- Eusocial insects like ants have complex social structures adaptable to disease spread.
- Ecological principle of disease management extends beyond humans.
What they're saying
- Lead author Luke Leckie notes this is the first observation of such behavior in non-human animals.
- Comments highlight disease management as an ecological principle.
Caveats
- Study conducted in controlled environment with soil-filled containers.
- Findings specific to black garden ants and fungal spores.
What’s next
- Research into whether other colonial species show similar adaptations during disease outbreaks.