NationStates Jolt Archive

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7998931.stm
An Amazonian ant has dispensed with sex and developed into an all-female species, researchers have found.

The ants reproduce via cloning - the queen ants copy themselves to produce genetically identical daughters.

This species - the first ever to be shown to reproduce entirely without sex - cultivates a garden of fungus, which also reproduces asexually.

The finding of the ants' "world without sex" is published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

Anna Himler, the biologist from the University of Arizona who led the research, told BBC News that the team used a battery of tests to verify their findings.

Unusual evolution

By "fingerprinting" DNA of the ant species - Mycocepurus smithii - they found them all to be clones of the colony's queen.

And when they dissected the female insects, they found them to be physically incapable of mating, as an essential part of their reproductive system known as the "mussel organ" had degenerated.

Asexual reproduction of males from unfertilised eggs is a normal part of some insect reproduction, but asexual reproduction of females is "exceedingly rare in ants", wrote the researchers.

"In social insects, there are a number of different types of reproduction," explained Dr Himler. "But this species has evolved its own unusual mode."

She and her colleagues do not know exactly why this particular species has become fully asexual, and how long ago the phenomenon evolved.

They are carrying out further genetic experiments, which will enable them to estimate how long ago the evolutionary change occurred.

Ok, maybe I made up the second part there. But wow, life without even a possibility of sex. It's like a whole species of trekkies, except they're female.

Dumb asses.

My wife gave that up years ago, but luckily hasn't started the cloning part yet

They ought to have more time on their...hands.

They ought to have more time on their...hands.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Qii0RxMolYE/R5f-Ztr8ztI/AAAAAAAAARg/3MC6tvGt2cE/s400/hail-ants.jpg
I, for one, welcome our new insect overlo....eh.....overladys.

One question is, if they are all clones of the queen, how do they avoid irreversible degeneration?

Or have I watched too much sci-fi?

Stupid? IMO its a far less repulsive and bizarre method of reproduction than one partner shoving a bit of their body into the other partner and making a sticky mess inside them :p

How does the cloning process work?

How does the cloning process work?

You see, when a queen ant loves herself very much....

Stupid? IMO its a far less repulsive and bizarre method of reproduction than one partner shoving a bit of their body into the other partner and making a sticky mess inside them :p

Less fun though.

Ferns have the most interesting sex life. About the only thing fern sex has in common with boring old human sex is moisture.

I... what. Wouldn't disease pretty much wipe these guys out in ten seconds?

What?

Stupid ants.

I... what. Wouldn't disease pretty much wipe these guys out in ten seconds?

What?

Stupid ants.
Or any other sudden changes in the environment. These little bastards are walking targets for natural selection.
Stupid ants.

Actually, I guess it isn't fair to blame most of the ants. The average female ant is asexual anyway, it is the queen's fault for being uppity and deciding that "she didn't need no man." This is what happens when you introduce feminism into nature, and I hope you all are happy.

One question is, if they are all clones of the queen, how do they avoid irreversible degeneration?

They won't. Presumably this has happened to ant species before, but we have not observed any because such species tend not to last long.

Stupid ants.

Well, I'd back myself against an ant in a game of chess.

But I don't think it's a good idea, as a species, to pick a fight with something ten times our size. Particularly when it lives under the ground and we aren't exactly sure how big it is. It might actually be a hundred times our size.

So, I'm respecting the ants just in case. Also, I might get reincarnated as one if I lift my game and avoid becoming a fungus.

They won't. Presumably this has happened to ant species before, but we have not observed any because such species tend not to last long.

Seeing as we have no idea how long these ants have been around, we should not make any claims about their evolutionary success that are dependent on them having a short evolutionary career.

I know why you have all suddenly gone so quiet.

You're looking at fern porn. Yes you are. Admit it!

I'm sure if we can get the Queen drunk enough she will be up for it >_>

also billions of women on their period in a confined space with no ability to do DIY, drive or open pickle jars is just a recipe for disaster :p

I don't think it's a good idea, as a species, to pick a fight with something ten times our size.

O_o

Also, I might get reincarnated as one if I lift my game and avoid becoming a fungus.

fuck that being a fungus would be awesome and they practically rule the world (along with Mars and the Moon) anyway

You're looking at fern porn. Yes you are. Admit it!

I did google image fern sex and soon learned that I was in hell

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7998931.stm


Ok, maybe I made up the second part there. But wow, life without even a possibility of sex. It's like a whole species of trekkies, except they're female.

there's a species of Cray that are all female... and they reproduce via self cloning.

I wonder how many people will now argue that "Cloning is natural!" :wink:

Seeing as we have no idea how long these ants have been around, we should not make any claims about their evolutionary success that are dependent on them having a short evolutionary career.

It doesn't work like that anyway - just because they're asexually reproduced clones doesn't mean there isn't cumulative mutation (and hence evolution and diversification of their gene pool). Bacteria and most fungus reproduce asexually, yet both flourish and both have many, many subspecies.

Asexual reproduction results in rapid population growth which may be evolutionary advantageous, they've obviously been selected for a reason. Technically speaking this is parthenogenesis, which is seen in some higher species such as lizards and some fish. Don't discount the advantages just because there's disadvantages - the same pro/con balance can be observed in sexual reproduction.

I... what. Wouldn't disease pretty much wipe these guys out in ten seconds?
Apparently it doesn't.

It doesn't work like that anyway - just because they're asexually reproduced clones doesn't mean there isn't cumulative mutation (and hence evolution and diversification of their gene pool). Bacteria and most fungus reproduce asexually, yet both flourish and both have many, many subspecies.But then a lot of those bacterial or fungal species, although they don't have 'sex' as such, do have mechanisms for gene-exchange between individuals...

Yay lesbian ants!

Yay lesbian ants!

*Gets a magnifying glass out to watch some hot ant on ant action*

*Gets a magnifying glass out to watch some hot ant on ant action*

Careful with that magnifying glass or it'll become really hot ant on ant action. ;)

Apparently it doesn't.

Well they evolved in the environment they're in, one assumes they're not especially vulnerable to the resident bacteria and viruses.

Careful with that magnifying glass or it'll become really hot ant on ant action. ;)

I'll bet you those ants will be flaming!

I'll bet you those ants will be flaming!

Ant Lady 1: "Do you smoke after sex?"

Ant Lady 2: "Only when Rambhutan watches."

:p

Lord almighty,
Im burning a hole where I lay
Cause your kisses lift me higher
Like the sweet song of a choir
You light my morning sky
With burning love
With burning love
Ah, ah, burning love
Im just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love

Careful with that magnifying glass or it'll become really hot ant on ant action. ;)

Uh-huh. I ant-icipate this will end badly.

It doesn't work like that anyway - just because they're asexually reproduced clones doesn't mean there isn't cumulative mutation (and hence evolution and diversification of their gene pool). Bacteria and most fungus reproduce asexually, yet both flourish and both have many, many subspecies.

Asexual reproduction results in rapid population growth which may be evolutionary advantageous, they've obviously been selected for a reason. Technically speaking this is parthenogenesis, which is seen in some higher species such as lizards and some fish. Don't discount the advantages just because there's disadvantages - the same pro/con balance can be observed in sexual reproduction.This.

Uh-huh. I ant-icipate this will end badly.

Rambhutan makes the issue look bigger than it is.

One question is, if they are all clones of the queen, how do they avoid irreversible degeneration?

Or have I watched too much sci-fi?
You've watched too much sci-fi.

They are not the only species that reproduces asexually- see also desert whiptail lizards; all female.

there's a species of Cray that are all female... and they reproduce via self cloning.

I wonder how many people will now argue that "Cloning is natural!" :wink:

There's a species of lizard that are all female - whiptail lizards. They have a hormone cycle in which they have more masculine or feminine hormones at any given time. One that is more masculine simulates copulation with one that is more feminine, causing her to self-fertilize and lay eggs.

Biology is awesome like that.

They are not the only species that reproduces asexually- see also desert whiptail lizards; all female.

Drat. Beaten to it.

There's a species of lizard that are all female - whiptail lizards. They have a hormone cycle in which they have more masculine or feminine hormones at any given time. One that is more masculine simulates copulation with one that is more feminine, causing her to self-fertilize and lay eggs.

Biology is awesome like that.

Lulz, pretend sex.

Hell, one of the most successful plants in the world reproduces asexually.

Wait, stupid? They beet us to cloning their own species how stupid could they be? We can't clone humans... whose the stupid ones here?

Wait, stupid? They beet us to cloning their own species how stupid could they be? We can't clone humans... whose the stupid ones here?
Cyclic pelvic thrusts is the most intellectual activity possible. And since they can't do it...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7998931.stm


Ok, maybe I made up the second part there. But wow, life without even a possibility of sex. It's like a whole species of trekkies, except they're female.
Well, reproduction of the species is the most important bit. If they can do it asexually, I suppose it means that some of the risks of male/female interaction are reduced. I don't know what "stupidity" has to do with it -- it's just way different from mammalian norms.

*shrug* I don't see mammals leaving off any time soon, so enjoy.

Cyclic pelvic thrusts is the most intellectual activity possible. And since they can't do it...

Reading Dan Brown novels, surely?

Ant Lady 1: "Do you smoke after sex?"

Ant Lady 2: "Only when Rambhutan watches."

:p

"I'm hot today!"
"You sure are... your ass is on fire!"

So, I'm respecting the ants just in case. Also, I might get reincarnated as one if I lift my game and avoid becoming a fungus. Yeah because being forced to be a slave to a fat queen who doesn't even move and having to go and get yourself ripped in pieces to secure territory is so much of a better fate.

You might prefer the fungi, all they do is sit in the dark all day and eat. Hmm... Much like the average trekkie.


Hmm...

There's a species of lizard that are all female - whiptail lizards. They have a hormone cycle in which they have more masculine or feminine hormones at any given time. One that is more masculine simulates copulation with one that is more feminine, causing her to self-fertilize and lay eggs.

Biology is awesome like that.

Dry Hump Babies - Even Masturbation Needs Protection.

:eek2:

How come I just get a picture of lots and lots of clones of Elizabeth II? lol

Yeah because being forced to be a slave to a fat queen who doesn't even move and having to go and get yourself ripped in pieces to secure territory is so much of a better fate.

You might prefer the fungi, all they do is sit in the dark all day and eat. Hmm... Much like the average trekkie.


Hmm...

They're also practically immortal.

Yeah because being forced to be a slave to a fat queen who doesn't even move and having to go and get yourself ripped in pieces to secure territory is so much of a better fate.

You might prefer the fungi, all they do is sit in the dark all day and eat. Hmm... Much like the average trekkie.


Hmm...
Or you get born a queen. That's pretty fun, because you get to fly when you're a young woman and don't really have to do anything.
Of course, once you're fertilized you expand like an inflatable life raft until you're immobilized by your own weight and spend the rest of your life in constant labor. It just really sucks to be an ant, I guess.
No wonder they keep growing to giant size and trying to destroy humanity.
How come I just get a picture of lots and lots of clones of Elizabeth II? lol
Now there's an unstoppable tide of destruction that knows how to wave at a crowd and wear silly hats. Look at them go!

Ok, maybe I made up the second part there. But wow, life without even a possibility of sex. It's like a whole species of trekkies, except they're female.

Lesbinazi insect trekkies.

Well, I'd back myself against an ant in a game of chess.

But I don't think it's a good idea, as a species, to pick a fight with something ten times our size. Particularly when it lives under the ground and we aren't exactly sure how big it is. It might actually be a hundred times our size.

So, I'm respecting the ants just in case. Also, I might get reincarnated as one if I lift my game and avoid becoming a fungus.

I'm sorry, humans are a) bigger than ants, and b) have Raid. We'd kick their asses in an interspecies conflict.

I'm sorry, humans are a) bigger than ants, and b) have Raid. We'd kick their asses in an interspecies conflict.

Plus, we are allies with the Daddy Long Legs alliance, :p

I'm sorry, humans are a) bigger than ants, and b) have Raid. We'd kick their asses in an interspecies conflict.

There already was an interspecies conflict. It's called "evolution". Humanity arguably won.

There already was an interspecies conflict. It's called "evolution". Humanity arguably is winning.

there you go, Im not entirely sure its over yet, lol...

I'm sorry, humans are a) bigger than ants, and b) have Raid. We'd kick their asses in an interspecies conflict.

(a) Biomass. They're bigger.
(b) Just how much Raid?

We need a big friend. Perhaps bacteria would help us out ...

There already was an interspecies conflict. It's called "evolution". Humanity arguably won.

I think i remember reading somewhere that there are a larger number of ants then there are humans on the Earth. So who really won?

I think i remember reading somewhere that there are a larger number of ants then there are humans on the Earth. So who really won?

The weight of all the ants on earth is at least 10 TIMES the weight of all humans.

To say they "outnumber" us is a gross understatement.

Not that I'm genuinely afraid of them. Pretty annoyed by termites, I am.

This thread's made me hungry. I love ants, esp. honey ants, but any variety with a nice, crisp citrus flavor will do. It'll be a few months yet before we have any around here. :(

I'm sorry, humans are a) bigger than ants, and b) have Raid. We'd kick their asses in an interspecies conflict.

Don't be so sure.

http://www.virginmedia.com/images/xenomorph-400x300.jpg

There already was an interspecies conflict. It's called "evolution". Humanity arguably won.


http://www.bigqueer.com/uploads/FuckYeah.jpg

If they are all clones, one disease can kill them all

There already was an interspecies conflict. It's called "evolution". Humanity arguably won.

Personally I'd go with the organism that got an exceptionally prolific mammal to shelter and feed it.

Personally I'd go with the organism that got an exceptionally prolific mammal to shelter and feed it.

The red indian?

I'm sorry, humans are a) bigger than ants, and b) have Raid. We'd kick their asses in an interspecies conflict.

I really doubt that, actually. Insects are tough little buggers, and there are a LOT of them.

I really doubt that, actually. Insects are tough little buggers, and there are a LOT of them.

Yeah, but we've got this guy:

http://s.bebo.com/app-image/7947923862/5411656627/PROFILE/i.quizzaz.com/img/q/u/08/04/18/DaleGribble1.JPG

And if things get really bad, we also have this (http://mountcope.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/nuclear_blast.jpg).

And if things get really bad, we also have this (http://mountcope.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/nuclear_blast.jpg).

It's the only way to be sure.

there you go, Im not entirely sure its over yet, lol...

Yeah, I don't know, the monkeys might be catching up. They're probably just pretending to not know sign language in order to lull us into a false sense of self-confidence.

If they are all clones, one disease can kill them all

And one ring can rule them...

They are not the only species that reproduces asexually- see also desert whiptail lizards; all female.

There's a species of lizard that are all female - whiptail lizards.

Actually only some (sub?)species of whiptails are parthenogenic. Source (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teiidae)

Parthenogenesis has been studied extensively in the New Mexico whiptail (genus Cnemidophorus), of which 15 species reproduce exclusively by parthenogenesis. These lizards live in the dry and sometimes harsh climate of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. All these asexual species appear to have arisen through the hybridization of two or three of the sexual species in the genus leading to polyploid individuals.

Source for the above quote (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthenogenesis#Reptiles)

There already was an interspecies conflict. It's called "evolution". Humanity arguably won.

I'm guessing the dodo could have argued that they "won" the evolutionary war, right before they became extinct.

A queen that reproduces asexually? I, for one, don't welcome our new Alien Overlady. (http://roberthood.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/alien-queen-aliens.jpg)

Don't be so sure.

http://www.virginmedia.com/images/xenomorph-400x300.jpg
Damn you.