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News Release 11-019
Seeking Social Genes
Researchers compare insect genomes to hone in on genes associated with complex social structure
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Sequencing the entire red harvester ant genome has revealed that, compared to other insects, the P. barbatus genome has significantly more genes associated with the sense of smell, as well as detection and metabolism of chemical signals. This is consistent with the fact that ants use chemical signals to communicate.
Credit: Herbert A. 'Joe' Pase III, Texas Forest Service, Bugwood.org; licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 United States License
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The genome of the red harvester ant, a social insect, was recently sequenced in an effort to understand the evolution of complex societies.
Credit: Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org; licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 United States License
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