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Brief Communications
Nature 423, 32 (1 May 2003) | doi:10.1038/423032a
Open Innovation Challenges
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A method for accelerating growth of soybean shoots is desired.
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A proposal for stable expression of an enzyme in corn seed is desired.
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Research Fellows in Pluripotent Stem Cell Technology
- The University of Nottingham
- Nottingham, UK
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- Genentech
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Social insects: Cuticular hydrocarbons inform task decisions
Michael J. Greene & Deborah M. Gordon
Abstract
Social insect colonies are organized without central control, and must not only accomplish many tasks, such as foraging and nest construction, but must also respond to changing conditions by adjusting the number of workers performing each task1, 2. Here we use chemically treated, artificial ants to show that cuticular hydrocarbons, which differ according to task, are used by workers of the red harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex barbatus) to recognize the tasks of the ants that they encounter. Encounters with other ants thus inform a worker's decision on whether to perform a particular task.
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