Rules for ants
What rules do ants follow? Read this article to find out more.
© University of Reading
Ants are following these simple rules:
Note, this is different from how humans would search…
Ants are following these simple rules:
| Condition | Action |
|---|---|
| Not carrying food and not on pheromone trail | Walk randomly, laying pheromone |
| Not carrying food but on pheromone trail | Follow trail laying more pheromone |
| Reach nest without food but on pheromone trail | Turn around, follow trail in opposite direction |
| Reach food | Pick up food, follow trail in opposite direction |
| Carrying food | Follow trail laying more pheromone |
| Reach nest with food | Deposit food, follow trail away from nest |
| Condition | Action |
|---|---|
| Not carrying food and not on pheromone trail | Walk randomly, laying pheromone |
| Not carrying food but on pheromone trail | Follow trail laying more pheromone |
| Reach nest without food but on pheromone trail | Turn around, follow trail in opposite direction |
| Reach food | Pick up food, follow trail in opposite direction |
| Carrying food | Follow trail laying more pheromone |
| Reach nest with food | Deposit food, follow trail away from nest |
© University of Reading
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