Ants

This book has been taken from the "Nature Study" series, which is an esay-reading edition of Wayland's "Discovering Nature" series. The text has been shortened and simplified, and checked by an expert in the teaching of reading. This book could be used simultaneousely with the original volume in mixed ability classrooms.;It starts with an explanation of ants as social animals that live together in colonies. The author then describes the ant's body, how the ant starts a new colony, and the life of a worker ant. She discusses the various types of ant nests, in trees, in large mounds, and under the ground. There is a section on some of the more unusual types of ants, such as bulldog ants, army and diver ants, and leaf cutter ants, describing their unique life styles.;Many ants have a special relationship with other insects. For example, ants `milk' aphids for their honeydew; in return for this food, the ants protect the aphids from insects that would otherwise milk the aphids. This and other special relationships between ants and other creatures, and even plants, is discussed. Ants have many enemies and have devised various ways of defending themselves and their colonies. The author describes some of these defences, as well as the fact that some types of ants capture other ant larvae that grow up to become `slaves' to their captors. There is a chapter on making an ant house.;The author is headteacher of a large primary school at Crickwell in Powys. She has made a speciality of the implementation of the linguistic and literary aspects of the curriculum for the Lower Juniors. She is the author of several books in the "Nature Study" series.