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Published online 30 October 2001 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news011101-6

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When is an ant like a bicycle?

Army ants team little with large to lift heavy loads.

If you can't see the point of the miniature back wheel on a penny-farthing bicycle, try riding a unicycle or watch an ant colony. Ants have realized that, to carry a heavy load, two supports are better than one - even if they seem comically mismatched.

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