The jumping ants of the species Harpegnathos saltator are known for the fact that after the death of the queen, a new queen from among the worker ants appears in the colony. The new status is accompanied by changes in the ant’s brain, as well as gene expression and hormone levels. Queens live about five times longer than other worker ants.
For a long time, it was unclear exactly what triggers this incredible transformation. A new study, published in the journal Cell, has lifted the veil of secrecy.
Scientists conducted a series of experiments with the Harpegnathos saltator ants, exposing their neurons to different levels of hormones.
The researchers focused on studying two hormones associated with the social behavior of ants and some other insects, such as bees. As it turned out, the administration of juvenile hormone III reduced the instinct to collect food, and the administration of the hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone stimulated the development of the ovaries. Both hormones activated the only protein factor Kr-h1.
In other words, two possible scenarios were initially recorded in the ant genome. Depending on which gene switch is triggered, certain behaviors will prevail that will either allow you to remain a working ant or move up the social ladder.
Science Alert materials used
