Not everything that counts can be counted: ants use multiple metrics for a single nest trait

被引:56
作者
Franks, NR [1 ]
Dornhaus, A [1 ]
Metherell, BG [1 ]
Nelson, TR [1 ]
Lanfear, SAJ [1 ]
Symes, WS [1 ]
机构
[1] Univ Bristol, Sch Biol Sci, Bristol BS8 1UG, Avon, England
基金
英国生物技术与生命科学研究理事会;
关键词
ants; counting; decision-making; house hunting; Weber's Law; social insects;
D O I
10.1098/rspb.2005.3312
中图分类号
Q [生物科学];
学科分类号
07 ; 0710 ; 09 ;
摘要
There are claims in the literature that certain insects can count. We question the generality of these claims and suggest that summation rather than counting (sensu stricto) is a more likely explanation. We show that Temnothorax albipennis ant colonies can discriminate between potential nest sites with different numbers of entrances. However, our experiments suggest that the ants use ambient light levels within the nest cavity to assess the abundance of nest entrances rather than counting per se. Intriguingly, Weber's Law cannot explain the ants' inaccuracy. The ants also use a second metric, independent of light, to assess and discriminate against wide entrances. Thus, these ants use at least two metrics to evaluate one nest trait: the configuration of the portals to their potential homes.
引用
收藏
页码:165 / 169
页数:5
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