What is it about?
We investigated dynamics of warfare in ants, and the environmental factors that determine the outcome of combat. Using theories of human warfare, as well as video game simulations and laboratory experiments with ants, we demonstrate that investing in fewer strong soldiers is a better strategy in complex terrain-based battlefields, whereas investing in larger armies is better in simple, open battlefields.
Featured Image
Photo by Jan Baborák on Unsplash
Why is it important?
We advanced the study of human warfare by demonstrating an environmental effect on optimal army-building strategy. In a practical sense, non-native invasive ants are generally smaller but more numerous than their native competitors. Moreover invasive ants tend to be more dominant in disturbed and simplified habitats. Our results suggest that future management techniques might be able to introduce ground level complexity to disturbed habitats to tip the competitive balance in favor of native ants.
Perspectives
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Complex battlefields favor strong soldiers over large armies in social animal warfare, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, August 2023, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2217973120.
You can read the full text:
Resources
A battlefield for ants? New study on ant warfare shows we could manipulate their fights
Our article on this project in The Conversation.
Ant battles: battlefield complexity and ant warfare outcomes
Press release on our project from CSIRO.
ABC Radio Canberra
Our interview on the project with ABC Radio Canberra. The interview runs from 1:04:17 – 1:13:28.
When ants go to war size isn't the only thing that matters
Our interview on the project with ABC Kimberley.
9 News: New research shows how Aussie ants can win 'war' against billion-dollar invasive pests
Report on our project on the 9 News website.
ABC Radio National: Using video games to plot out ant battles
Our interview on the project on ABC Radio National's PM programme.
ABC South Australia Late Afternoons
Our interview on the project on the ABC Regional SA Late Afternoons programme. Interview starts at 1:11:50.
ANT WARS: REAL-WORLD ANT BATTLES SHOWS HOW NATIVE INSECTS WIN AGAINST AGGRESSIVE INTRODUCED SPECIES
Our interview on the project on The Wire community current affairs radio programme.
Ant wars: How native species can win the battle over invasive pests
Press release on our project on the UWA website.
Warfare in ants and video games
Interview on our research on Perth Radio 6PR Afternoons programme. Interview begins 1:21:55.
How AoE2 is helping scientists understand ants
YouTube video on our work by popular video game YouTuber Spirit Of The Law.
2GB Sydney Afternoons with Deborah Knight
Interview on our research with Deborah Knight on 2GB Sydney Afternoons show. Interview begins at 1:38:46.
Scientists use Age of Empires computer game to simulate ant warfare
TV interview on our project with ABC News 24.
Scientists use Age of Empires computer game to simulate ant warfare
Report on our project from ABC Rural News, based on a recorded interview.
Contributors
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