Individual and social learning in tandem-running recruitment by ants

摘要: Animals may acquire information socially, but do they also need to learn independently make effective use of such information? Tandem running is a form recruitment in certain ants which one individual leads another an important resource as better nest site. runs speed flow because tandem followers typically discover new sites much more rapidly than through independent searching. Moreover, often go on lead runs, thereby recruiting others. However, former not slavishly follow the route have been shown. Here, we show that can improve upon directness and reduce duration subsequently so only if, between being follower becoming leader, explored independently. Similarly, ant discovers site, discovery, improves taken when she has after finding Thus, learning exploration both individuals their society it augments gained basis improvement. This will further hasten transfer members society, causing cascades. allows teach location resource, routes, taught for themselves.