The balancing act of ants while carrying heavy load must have intrigued many. As a kid I have watched it with utter fascination. Now the scientists have unraveled the science behind the delicate balancing act. The lead researchers were Dr Karin Moll and Dr Walter Federle from the University of Cambridge. Dr Falvio Roces from the University of Wurzburg in Germany was an associate. The experiments were done on Grass-cutting ants (Atta vollenweideri) that carry plant fragments many times heavier and longer than themselves.
To maintain stability,centre of gravity of ant and load needs to remain above the area of the supporting legs. Using high speed video cameras the scientists have recorded controlled head movements that aid balance. The ant's neck also plays a very critical part in balancing the load. This feature is previously unknown in any insect. The neck joint being involved in the adjustment of the load position was in fact a surprise.
Full details appear in the latest issue of Journal of Comparative Physiology
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