An experiment pitting human intelligence against that of a species of ant had an interesting result. Scientists were excited to learn if when using collective intelligence, how a group of ants would compare to a group of humans in solving a complex puzzle involving a spatial challenge.
Weizmann Institute of Science researchers designed an experiment in which longhorn crazy ants and people had to solve a geometric puzzle, though at different scales to compensate for the different sizes of the two groups. The puzzle, known as a “piano movers’ problem” required the participants to work together in moving a T-shaped structure through a series of tight spaces and around corners.
What is interesting about the experiments is that humans and some ants (just 1% of all ant species) are among only a few species known to work together in transporting large objects. The ants chosen for this competition were “crazy ants” (Paratrechina longicornis), little black ants with long antennae and a wild behavior which earned them the nickname “crazy.”
The experiments spanned three years and involved more than 1,250 humans and many ant colonies. The ants worked individually or in groups of 7 up to 80 insects. The humans also participated individually or in groups of 6 up to 26 people.
Some of the human participants were handicapped in not being allowed to speak or use gestures, and they had to wear masks and sunglasses. It was discovered that individuals working alone performed better than the groups which were handicapped. For the ants, the scientists found that larger groups did significantly better than did smaller groups or single insects.
The researchers concluded that humans and ants show differences in how they work at collective problem-solving. Individual ants don’t understand how to solve such puzzles, but collectively, they develop problem-solving skills merely by working together.
“An ant colony is actually a family. All the ants in the nest are sisters, and they have common interests. It’s a tightly knit society in which cooperation greatly outweighs competition,” explains study co-author Prof. Ofer Feinerman. The whole then proved greater than the sum of its parts.
On the other hand, human groups did not show greater cognitive abilities by working together. In other words, the popular notion of “wisdom of crowds” may not be accurate.
The research could prove helpful in designing robot swarms or in improving human team dynamics. So, could we humans “learn a thing or two from our six-legged counterparts”? The research was published in PNAS.
Comments: There is no question that ants and all insects have a God-given intelligence that can amaze us humans. Think about how honeybees are able to communicate the location of nectar with each other.
But did this experiment really prove that these insects are smarter than humans when working as a group? I think not. The human groups that were handicapped by not being able to talk and who had to wear masks and sunglasses were not really representative of how people work on a project in real life.
Just consider non-handicapped groups of people who can accomplish much when they work together. Football teams that need all members of the team to work together to move the football down the field. An army organized for efficiency into squads, platoons, companies, battalions, brigades, divisions, corps, and finally the entire army. Construction workers who must completely cooperate to put up impressive buildings.
But where animals do shine compared to humans is that they don't often work together to hurt themselves. But look at us Homo sapiens. We have our criminal gangs. We see dangerous and destructive militaries commanded by despots. We have organizations that work against God’s truth and Christian lifestyles.
However, whether we use our intelligence individually or collectively, let it all be done to God’s glory. And the best way to glorify Him is to spread the news that we have a Savior from sin who has opened the doors to heaven for all who believe in and follow Jesus.
“We preach Christ crucified, because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” 1 Corinthians 1:25
By Warren Krug
Reference: “Ants smarter than humans? Watch as tiny insects outperform grown adults in solving puzzle,” StudyFinds [January 2, 2025]. ("Free to share and use" photo of Paratrechina longicornis crazy ants via Microsoft Bing.)
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QUESTION OF THE DAY
What are the health benefits of eating cherries?
Cherries, whether sweet or tart, are good sources of the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, which makes them potent anti-inflammatory foods. They also contain melatonin and other substances that may promote better sleep. In addition, they are a good source of fiber and potassium and also contain calcium, magnesium, and other nutrients.
Source: Richard S. Lang, M.D., M.P.H.,F.A.C.P, “Ask Dr. Lang,” Cleveland Clinic Men’s Health Advisor [September, 2024], page 8.
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