Investigations into the Behaviour of Ants

This resource, from the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB), allows students to investigate the behaviour of ants, and includes:

• Background information about British ants.
• A step-by-step approach to the collection and maintenance of some British ants with particular reference to the common red garden ant Myrmica rubra L.
• Ideas for both fieldwork and laboratory investigations, mainly using the ant M. rubra.
• Opportunities for students to follow instructions, design investigations, carry out, record and present data, use appropriate statistical tests, interpret secondary data, consider limitations to scientific evidence and ethical issues involved when using animals in investigations.

Suggestions presented here cover aspects of investigative work and behavioural ecology found in most UK National Curriculum syllabuses and examination board specifications. The background knowledge and sample investigations will provide sufficient materials for the ‘How Science Works’ component of the GCSE and A-level courses, as well as the assessment of practical skills. For example, the resource will help with designing investigations, sampling techniques, making measurements and the collection of quantitative data, presenting evidence, analysis, evaluation and its applications.