Ant Scent Trails

In the picture

1. 1The tip of the ant’s abdomen, pressed to the soil as scent is released
2. 2A pheromone droplet on the ground, one of a short line of drops
3. 3The nest entrance, the hole where the trail begins
4. 4The fallen crumb at the far end of the trail

Examples

• A row of stones that marks the path through a forest
• A signpost that points pedestrians which way to go

Quiz: Ant Scent Trails (Age 16)

1. 1

   According to the card, how do ants mark routes to food?

   • They call to each other with sounds.
   • They release chemical substances onto the ground.
   • They remember the shape of landmarks.
2. 2

   What is the effect of a fresh, strong scent trail?

   • It draws more ants toward the same food.
   • It leads ants back to the nest without food.
   • It makes ants avoid the food until the scent fades.
3. 3

   What do other ants follow to reach the food?

   • The ant’s footprints pressed into the soil
   • The tiny drops of scent left on the ground
   • The direction of the wind coming from the food

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This lesson has left the free week, so its quiz is part of the subscription.