Unearthing real-time 3D ant tunneling mechanics.

ABSTRACT: Granular excavation is the removal of solid, discrete particles from a structure composed of these objects. Efficiently predicting the stability of an excavation during particle removal is an unsolved and highly nonlinear problem, as the movement of each grain is coupled to its neighbors. Despite this, insects such as ants have evolved to be astonishingly proficient excavators, successfully removing grains such that their tunnels are stable. Currently, it is unclear how ants use their limited information about the environment to construct lasting tunnels. We attempt to unearth the ants' tunneling algorithm by taking three-dimensional (3D) X-ray computed tomographic imaging (XRCT), in real time, of Pogonomyrmex ant tunnel construction. By capturing the location and shape of each grai

SUBMITTER: Buarque de Macedo R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8433525 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature