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Why do weaver ants carry their larvae between leaves?

Weaver ants bring leaves together, but the adults do not produce the silk that fastens them. In Oecophylla smaragdina, appropriately developed larvae provide the silk, making nest construction a partnership between life stages.

3–5 min

Questions you could explore

  • Why would moving the larvae matter as much as moving the leaves?

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Nature and biology

How does a honey bee dance give directions?

A returning honey bee can communicate about food without leading every other bee to it. The direction and duration of its waggle dance carry information that other bees can use beyond the dark hive.

3–5 min
Nature and biology

How can an octopus change color so quickly?

An octopus can alter the appearance of its skin far faster than a new coat of pigment could grow. Tiny structures already in the skin control what becomes visible, with pigment and reflected light playing different roles.

5–7 min
Nature and biology

How do bats use echoes to find prey?

An echo can tell an echolocating bat more than whether something is nearby. The delay and character of returning sound help it follow a target as the encounter changes.

3–5 min
Why do weaver ants carry their larvae between leaves? | Speech Topic | speaking.app