Glyphosate effects on ants 
An investigation into the effects of glyphosate on a yellow meadow ants ability to chose a food source
Abstract: Yellow meadow ants play a vital role in our ecosystem and this experiment looks at how glyphosate alters their decision making when choosing a food source. To analyse the ants choice making I used a choice chamber with one side containing banana without glyphosate and one side with the herbicide. I hypothesised that there would be more ants moving to the side without the glyphosate because of their highly sensitive receptors on their abdomens and head.
Result showed that there was a significant difference with more ants moving to the side without glyphosate than the other chamber. This was seen on averaging the results and using statistical tests such as chi-squared. The results were expected and is likely due to the sense receptors the ants have.
Introduction
Ants are everywhere, inhabiting every continent on the planet bar Antarctica, there are estimated to be around 1.5 million ants for each person on earth. There are around 12,000 species scientists have given names to and around double predicted to still be undiscovered. Ants play a vital role in the ecosystem, performing three necessary procedures: Seed dispersal, pest control and aerating the soil.
Seed dispersal- A worker ants day to day life involves collecting food for the colony and moving it back to the nest, by carrying seeds it gives them nutrient rich ants nest which has great conditions for the seed to germinate. The seed is likely to sprout in a much safer environment, protected from seed predators as well as drought.
Pest control- Many types of ants feed on eggs from common pests such as flies, fleas and even cockroaches. Having a diverse community of ants and other insects helps keep the entire ecosystem in balance, which is important for all the plants, fungi, and animals that share the environment.
Aerating the soil- This is an important job for creating fertile soils and
Abstract: Yellow meadow ants play a vital role in our ecosystem and this experiment looks at how glyphosate alters their decision making when choosing a food source. To analyse the ants choice making I used a choice chamber with one side containing banana without glyphosate and one side with the herbicide. I hypothesised that there would be more ants moving to the side without the glyphosate because of their highly sensitive receptors on their abdomens and head.
Result showed that there was a significant difference with more ants moving to the side without glyphosate than the other chamber. This was seen on averaging the results and using statistical tests such as chi-squared. The results were expected and is likely due to the sense receptors the ants have.
Introduction
Ants are everywhere, inhabiting every continent on the planet bar Antarctica, there are estimated to be around 1.5 million ants for each person on earth. There are around 12,000 species scientists have given names to and around double predicted to still be undiscovered. Ants play a vital role in the ecosystem, performing three necessary procedures: Seed dispersal, pest control and aerating the soil.
Seed dispersal- A worker ants day to day life involves collecting food for the colony and moving it back to the nest, by carrying seeds it gives them nutrient rich ants nest which has great conditions for the seed to germinate. The seed is likely to sprout in a much safer environment, protected from seed predators as well as drought.
Pest control- Many types of ants feed on eggs from common pests such as flies, fleas and even cockroaches. Having a diverse community of ants and other insects helps keep the entire ecosystem in balance, which is important for all the plants, fungi, and animals that share the environment.
Aerating the soil- This is an important job for creating fertile soils and
Bibliography: McCafferty, W.P., 1981. Aquatic entomology: the fishermen 's and ecologists ' illustrated guide to insects and their Relatives. London, Science Books International, Inc. Boon, P.J., 1978. “The pre-impoundment distribution of certain Trichoptera larvae in the North Tyne River System (Northern England), with particular reference to the current speed.”, Hydrobiologia, 57.2, 22-46. e.g. Dr Alicia White, 2009