Incredible Subterranean Ant Structure Revealed
June 12, 2012 Leave a Comment
Ever wonder what is going on behind the scenes underground in an ant hill? You probably didn’t think it was as complex as this.
Scientists were eager to discover what a subterranean ant structure might look like, so they decided to find an abandoned ant colony and poured 10 tens of cement down the outer tubes of the ant colony structure. After a month, they were able to begin the excavation.It took removal of several tons of dirt over a few weeks to uncover the giant ant metropolis.
Here is what they discovered:
The amazing architecture of the subterranean ant colony structure
The structure is slowly revealed as the tons of dirt are removed from the cemented tunnels
The ants built “highways” that connected the main chambers, and off the chambers are side roads, that lead to fungus gardens and rubbish pits. The tunnels are designed to provide good ventilation and provide the shortest transport links. It looks as if the design is completed by a single architect, but keep in mind it was created and orchestrated by an entire colony, not just a single mind. This colossal and complex city was created by what the video describes as a “super organism.”
In its construction, the ant colony moved 40 tons of soil. The structure covers 50 square meters, and goes 8 meters down into the earth. If you know a thing or two about ants, worker ants are able to carry around 4 times their body weight. These tiny little insects were able to build what is equivalent to the Great Wall of China.
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