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Social evolution: Limb amputation prevents infection in ants

Christopher D Pull1

  • 1Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RB, UK.

Current Biology : CB
|July 23, 2024
PubMed

Abstract:

Social insect workers, renowned for their altruism, are frequently perceived as 'disposable'. A new study finds that ants amputate the limbs of nestmates, which saves them from infection, and indicates that worker care is as critical to colony success as sacrifice.

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The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
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