A study by scientists from the University of Bristol has shown for the first time that not only behavior but also the architecture of their habitat protects animals from epidemics.
Ants exposed to pathogens change the shape of their nests: they dig nests with wider entrances, increased distances between chambers, and fewer straight tunnels. This structure creates a kind of "anti-epidemic clearings" that hinder the rapid spread of infection.
Using micro-computed tomography, researchers reconstructed three-dimensional models of ant colonies and conducted simulations of pathogen spread. The results confirmed the effectiveness of such architectural adaptation.
Moreover, ants in self-isolation in these nests have even less contact with other individuals, further reducing the risk of infection.
Scientists note that these results can be compared to human settlements: the separation of spaces and regulation of people flows can limit the spread of diseases without losing functionality. Ants demonstrate that resilience to epidemics can be the result of thoughtful environmental design.
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