Fire ants use their claws to grip diverse surfaces, including each other. As a result of their mutual adhesion and large numbers, ant colonies flow like inanimate fluids. This sequence of films shows how ants behave similarly to the spreading of drops, the capillary rise of menisci, and gravity-driven flow down a wall. By emulating the flow of fluids, ant colonies can remain united under stressful conditions. “Ants as Fluids: Physics-Inspired Biology”, ArXiv, 15 Oct 2010.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Mass of ants behaving as a fluid
Fire ants use their claws to grip diverse surfaces, including each other. As a result of their mutual adhesion and large numbers, ant colonies flow like inanimate fluids. This sequence of films shows how ants behave similarly to the spreading of drops, the capillary rise of menisci, and gravity-driven flow down a wall. By emulating the flow of fluids, ant colonies can remain united under stressful conditions. “Ants as Fluids: Physics-Inspired Biology”, ArXiv, 15 Oct 2010.
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That was fascinating! Ants acting as viscous fluids to survive is a spectacular example of adaptability.
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