British researchers have discovered the first evidence of teaching behavior in a non-human species. Ants have been shown to guide each other to food sources.
Scientists at the University of Bristol studied a colony of ants for two years and found that they use a technique known as “follow-the-leader”—one ant leads another from the nest to the food source.
This is a true case of teaching, as the leader ants slow down if those following them fall behind. When the gap narrows, they speed up again.
The leaders face a disadvantage because they could reach the food source four times faster if they were alone. However, the act of teaching benefits the followers, as they learn to reach the food source much more quickly.
Information spreads throughout the colony as followers become leaders for others, initiating the teaching process everywhere.
“Teaching is not merely imitation. The teacher adjusts their behavior knowing that a naïve observer is watching, even at some cost to themselves,” said Professor Nigel Franks. “This is the first documented case of structured teaching in a non-human species.”
“What is fascinating is that ants have small brains. The human brain is millions of times larger, yet ants can still teach and learn effectively.”
M.T. (according to Reuters)
