Go and Stop ant traffic signals experiment issues

[maskdreamer]

Regarding the Go and Stop ant traffic signals experiment, I would like to know how to develop the platforms so the ants do not crawl off?

[barretttomlinson]

Hi,

The project you mention “Go and Stop? Ant traffic signals” really sounds like fun:

http://www.shef.ac.uk/aps/mbiolsci/stua ... e-ant.html

As far as setting up hard stop and go signals so your ants do not wander off, that could be a bit challenging since, at least from my own observations, ants seem to use these signals as suggestions, not commands. A significant fraction of ants always seem to be exploring for new food sources, ignoring the existing trails.

To find out what is known, check out the Bibliography and Sources sections of the writeup above, then thoroughly explore the links within the sites. Pay particular attention to these links:

http://www.lasi.group.shef.ac.uk/pdf/Ro ... gPhero.pdf

See particularly the “Research:Background and Method” page of this site:

http://www.shef.ac.uk/aps/mbiolsci/stua ... e-ant.html

Other sites found by google search:

http://acp.eugraph.com/news/news05/robinson.html

http://www.shef.ac.uk/aps/mbiolsci/gree ... earch.html

http://www.cs.utk.edu/~mclennan/Classes ... ure-12.pdf

http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultran ... mones.html

http://www.bioone.org/doi/full/10.2108/zsj.23.353

http://www.audrey-dussutour.net/Dussuto ... hapter.pdf

This looks like a REALLY fun project, with a potential opportunity to make some original knowledge contribution. Have fun with it!!!

Barrett Tomlinson

[amyc]

Hi - You are doing the following Science Buddies project, correct?

Go and Stop? Ant Traffic Signals
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p016.shtml

I'm posting the link here so experts who see your question can refer back to the project directly.

Amy
Science Buddies

[maskdreamer]

I haven't made the second attempt yet. On my first trial many of the ants would not stay on the trail strips I created. I think that I have to figure out a better way for the ants to come from their nest to the trail. My next attempt will be to start a new nest with a new batch of ants in a large container. That way the platform can be set within the nest area yet in a raised position with a small ramp for the ants to climb up to the trail. I believe that not only,in my first attempt, was it difficult to design and easy exit from the ant nest to the platform, whatever I tried seem to disturb the ants (perhaps sending alarm pheremones). I am hoping the next attempt will allow the ants to be less disturbed and focus more on looking for food. The links that were previously sent were very helpful and will be used although did not help me with the "exiting the nest" issue.
Thank you for your help, any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

[donnahardy2]

Hi,

I think you are on the right track for solving the problem, but here are some other considerations: Have you verified that your ants are attracted to your food source? If they don't like sugar, you could offer them another food source such as wet cat or dog food. Is it at least 65 degrees F. during the day? You might need to wait for a warmer day. Also, you could set up your track a distance away from the ant nest and leave it undisturbed for a day or two. Ants will always find a suitable food source if it is available.

Donna Hardy