dhw: Indeed, and yet another example of the astonishing intelligence exhibited by these tiny creatures. And perhaps yet another analogy for how cells may cooperate intelligently to create intricate complexities.-Yes, 'perhaps' an analogy. > > QUOTE: "It would be interesting to see if, after the predicted El Niño, harvester ants build deeper chambers than they have in previous years[/i]."' > > dhw: That will be a good test. I predict that they will go deeper, thus illustrating how organisms of all shapes and sizes learn from experience, store information and process it prior to taking their decisions: all characteristics of autonomous intelligence.-Ants have brains and can learn I'm sure, just as my dog learns. Of course, 'autonomous intelligence'. Does that explain development of instinct?