十万个为什么·科学启蒙30篇（2）
23 / 30
正在校验访问权限...
How Do Ants Build Such Complex Underground Cities?
蚂蚁如何建造如此复杂的地下城市？
-
Ant colonies dig intricate tunnel networks using their strong mandibles and coordinated teamwork.
-
Each ant follows simple rules based on pheromone trails and soil texture, not a central plan.
-
Tunnels stay stable because ants avoid sharp angles and reinforce walls with saliva and soil.
-
Ventilation shafts allow fresh air to flow deep underground without human tools.
-
Nurse ants carry eggs and larvae to warmer or cooler chambers depending on developmental needs.
-
Some species even farm fungi or herd aphids, turning parts of their nests into living farms.
-
The queen stays protected in a central chamber while workers handle construction and repairs.
-
Ants adjust tunnel size and layout as the colony grows or seasons change.
-
Researchers study ant digging to improve robot algorithms for underground exploration.
-
Their cities can last decades and house millions—built entirely without blueprints or supervisors.