Ant hills
Some species of ants construct raised mounds for their
colonies. Many such ant hills are "hidden" throughout the nature trail
and may be easily overlooked. Can you see the ant hills in the pictures
below?
Exactly why the construction of such ant hills is necessary
is not known. However, some suggestions for their construction include:
-
improving drainage so chambers will not be flooded in a heavy
rain.
-
helping control temperature. Raised mounds will warm up more
quickly in the spring. It will also facilitate the dissipation of metabolic
heat ( i.e., the heat given off by the ants themselves in respiration)
in the summer due to improved ventilation
-
improving aeration. The high density of ants in the colony
may make it difficult to obtain enough oxygen in the center of the colony.
A raised mound will have better ventilation.
-
helping protect against predators/competitors (e.g.,
raiding ant armies). Higher ground may be easier to defend.
For more information on ants visit
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