Like Humans, NYC Ants Also Like Junk Food
- 9 years ago
An analysis of ant specimens collected from different locations around Manhattan has shown that specimens found in high-traffic areas such as sidewalks and medians had the highest levels of carbon associated with processed foods.
Some ants in New York City seem to have the same junk food diets as their human neighbors--literally.
The insects are thought to survive largely by eating trash which could help explain their thriving populations in those areas.
Researchers made these findings based on an examination of more than 100 ants across 21 different species collected from various Manhattan locations.
Isotope testing, which was used to determine the ants’ diets, showed that specimens taken from the city’s sidewalks and medians had the
Some ants in New York City seem to have the same junk food diets as their human neighbors--literally.
The insects are thought to survive largely by eating trash which could help explain their thriving populations in those areas.
Researchers made these findings based on an examination of more than 100 ants across 21 different species collected from various Manhattan locations.
Isotope testing, which was used to determine the ants’ diets, showed that specimens taken from the city’s sidewalks and medians had the