futurebird

futurebird, 7 hours ago

@timhutton @simon

In terms of function the mandibles of ants are their hands. Although, they do use their front legs and antennae to manipulate objects often. (they use their antennae to pack down sand, for example)

But in terms of development I don’t even know if it would be proper to say arthropod limbs are analogous to mammal limbs! We are both bilaterians but beyond being symmetric tubes? We have more in common with starfish and urchins than ants!

futurebird, 6 hours ago

@timhutton @simon

I don't think so. But, to be eusocial you must also be social and that's why there are all these similar developments... that have totally different origins.

futurebird, 7 hours ago

@timhutton @simon Which should really make you hairs stand on end as you contemplate the nature of ant cognitive activity— it is absolutely alien and yet — there are parallels— deep parallels: especially in the patterns of social organization.

Ants and humans do agriculture, make wars, take care of each other, and mould our local environment.

futurebird, 6 hours ago

@econads @timhutton @simon

Most people seem to assume that and that is their primary function. But, I've watched ants use them like we might use the tips of our fingers to nudge and tap soil in particular.