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Ants Are at the First Stage of the Notion of Zero

Author

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  • Marie-Claire Cammaerts
  • Roger Cammaerts

Abstract

The notion of zero is rarely apprehended by animals. We examined if ants possess this ability in four experiments, each time using two colonies and operant conditioning. Ants succeeded in significantly comprehending the absence of a cue, but not as well as learning an existing cue, and they soon lost their learning. Ants thus have a sensory notion of the absence of an item, but not the abstract notion of a sensu stricto mathematical zero.

Suggested Citation

  • Marie-Claire Cammaerts & Roger Cammaerts, 2021. "Ants Are at the First Stage of the Notion of Zero," International Journal of Biology, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 11(1), pages 1-54, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibn:ijbjnl:v:11:y:2021:i:1:p:54
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    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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