Ants spy on their neighbours, comparing their homes to those around them and waiting for an opportunity to climb the property ladder, a study has found.
The creatures are “nosy neighbours” and like humans must often decide whether
they should upgrade or remain in their current home.
But unlike humans, who are susceptible to housing bubbles, the ants seem to
invest in their property market in consistent and rational ways, scientists
say.
Research by the University of Bristol found rock ants "continually
monitor their neighbouring real estate" to scope out potential future
homes.
Their efforts depend on the quality of nest they currently inhabit, with those
in poor accommodation searching more than others in better homes.
Carolina Doran, PhD student from the University of Bristol's School of
Biological Sciences, who worked on the study, said humans could learn from
the ants' behaviour.
"This strategy of adjusting their information gathering according to
their actual needs and the real value of higher rungs on the property ladder
may help ants to evaluate their housing market in a measured and thorough
way that puts many of us to shame," she said.
Ms Doran worked with Professor Nigel Franks on the papers, which is published in the Royal Society journal Biology Letters.
They examined 15 ant colonies from Dorset and found that their priorities were comparable to those of many people, including high ceilings and an open living space.
Ms Doran worked with Professor Nigel Franks on the papers, which is published in the Royal Society journal Biology Letters.
They examined 15 ant colonies from Dorset and found that their priorities were comparable to those of many people, including high ceilings and an open living space.
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