Morphology
Ants have three major body parts: head, thorax, and gastor (abdomen). The thorax can be broken down into two major parts: the alitrunk which contains the legs and wings, and the petiole which is found directly anterior to the gastor and is found only in ants. Ants have mandibles (jaws) which are of varied structures. These varied structures provide for a plethora of functions ranging from grasping, tearing, cutting and other special tasks. Most ants have a stinger at the end of the gastor. Some ants can release this stinger in a similar fashion to honeybees. The stinger is only found in female ants and is a modified ovipositor (egg laying organ). Ants have compound eyes which have not been shown to effect their behavior, although some ants seem to be able to detect movement. They have very sensitive antennae that are used for a wide array of communication.
Nearly all ants have a unique gland found on the petiole called the metapleural gland. Most importantly, this gland has been shown to contain antibacterial and antifungal chemicals which are essential for survival in the humid, dark nests in the ground or rotting vegetation. This gland secretes an antiseptic substance that at times acts as a repellent to attacking organisms. It is also thought that the metapleural gland releases pheromones for communication.
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Science Education Connection Department of Biochemistry The University of Arizona Tuesday, April 29, 1997 warder@u.arizona.edu
http://biology.arizona.edu/sciconn/lessons/shindelman/ |