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Environment
Scott Solomon, Associate Teaching Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Rice University

Ants – with their wise farming practices and efficient navigation techniques – could inspire solutions for some human problems

Leafcutter ants cultivate fungus gardens that feed sprawling colonies. Tim Flach/Stone via Getty Images

King Solomon may have gained some of his famed wisdom from an unlikely source – ants.

According to a Jewish legend, Solomon conversed with a clever ant queen that confronted his pride, making quite an impression on the Israelite king. In the biblical book of Proverbs (6:6-8), Solomon shares this advice with his son: “Look to the ant, thou sluggard, consider her ways and be wise. Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”

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