Why do ants follow the no ant left behind policy?

Question

Have you ever stopped and looked at ants as they walk by? Well,I have and I have found, that if something happens to one ant, another ant will come by and pick him up and carry them back to where they came from. Why? And how do they know that ant belongs with them?

Answer 1

well srry to tell u if the ant is like dead or almost dead they usually eat it

but if  its not dead then i have no idea

cool question

Answer 2

That's a good question.  I think humans put too much thought into actually helping other people. I think our ability to think interferes with us being 'heartfelt'.  I think for ants and other animals, they 'naturally' want to keep the colony together.  Somehow they realize that each ant is a valuable asset to the upkeep of the colony.  They probably don't care if it does or doesn't belong to them, all the know is that its an ant and that ant can be the betterment of the colony.

I hope you get some great answers, I'd like to see what others think myself.

Answer 3

That's interesting!! You get a star! :) I will definitely be watching the ants from now on to see what you mean..

Answer 4

I think ants are the most cooperative and working animal..I mean they work for the whole ant thingy and they dont stop until their work is done,the best thing is that they do it together,no complains,and never letting down the other ants...great observation dude!

Answer 5

Well, they pick them up and bring them back to eat them. Kinda gross, but hey... they get food where they can.

Answer 6

They don't help it, they eat it, they have about 100 other ants to feed and they need all the food they can get...

Answer 7

r u sure? I always see a lot of left behind ants also known as "lone-ranger" ants at home.

Answer 8

They know each other by smell.  I am guessing the other ants are carrying their fallen comrade back to eat him.  Nature doesn't waste good protein.

Answer 9

Look at the primary objective of all animals.  The male wants to pass on HIS genes and the female wants to pass on the BEST genes.  In my experience, this selfish vs special (i.e. re species) dichotomy exists in and confuses societies of all kinds.