How Ants Use Their Own Bodies To Make Movable Bridges

Plants and Animals





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The ants form the bridges by grasping the one in front until they manage to span the gap. Dr. Chris Reid/The University of Sydney

Without a set plan or leader, ants are able to construct incredible structures based on collective self-organization. Even in the absence of a consistent leader, this allows them to create entire subterranean cities and structures using their own bodies. Army ants from Central and South America, for example, are renowned for forming living bridges to shorten distances to food.