Why is the 'giant' elephant afraid of 'tiny' ants?

We must have heard the allegory of ' ants kill elephants '. The story tells of the unifying power of a small ant colony that can frighten and kill a huge elephant. Recent scientists have proved that this allegory is complete.

Explaining the cause of the giant elephant feared little ants

(Artwork: Blogspot)

Scientists from the University of Florida (USA) have discovered that ants are one of the animals that African elephants are most afraid of. When elephants try to approach trees that are considered to be ants' territory, immediately the fierce ants will crawl into the elephant's nose, causing the giant animal to retreat.

Professor Todd Palmer, the head of the study, said: '' This is like the story of David and Goliath (Tiny people and giants). Tiny ants are ready to fight against giant elephants, to protect the trees that make sense to live their new lives. '

Scientists conducted experiments by feeding elephants to eat plants that were attracted by ants or nests. In addition, the team also released some ants on A. Mellifera - a favorite dish of African elephants.

The results showed that elephants tend to avoid trees that they detect that ants like a child avoid eating broccoli. Scientists say the cause lies in the elephant's trunk - considered the "heel of the Asin" of this giant animal.

Although the elephant's trunk is strong, its tip and nostrils contain a lot of extremely sensitive nerves. 'Therefore, it seems that elephants do not want to be caught by ants in their nostrils. This could be considered the cause of elephants fearing ants , "said Dr. Palmer.

The team also said that elephants can recognize on trees with ants or not by the smell of this tiny animal. This finding helps to chase away elephants from the residential and cultivation areas with a characteristic smell of ants.