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Ants Can Associate a Symbol with a Number of Elements Through Conditioning

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  • Marie-Claire Cammaerts
  • Roger Cammaerts

Abstract

On the basis of the known numerosity abilities of the ant Myrmica sabuleti, it was checked if workers of this species could associate a symbol with a number of elements through conditioning, an ability rarely encountered in invertebrates and never mentioned in ants. Working each time on two colonies, we observed that these ants could associate a particular shape used as a symbol with 1, 2, 3 or 4 displayed dots. This acquired association was only slightly affected by a change in shape, color or size of the sighed elements. This elementary association of a symbol with a number by an ant has also been observed in bees, while vertebrates such as birds and monkeys can bring this ability at a more complex level.

Suggested Citation

  • Marie-Claire Cammaerts & Roger Cammaerts, 2021. "Ants Can Associate a Symbol with a Number of Elements Through Conditioning," International Journal of Biology, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 12(3), pages 1-1, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibn:ijbjnl:v:12:y:2021:i:3:p:1
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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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