{"title":"Bert Hölldobler","description":"\u003cp\u003eBert Hölldobler is a distinguished figure in the world of entomology, particularly known for his groundbreaking research on the complex societies of ants. His work delves deep into the intricate lives of these remarkable insects, offering insights into their social structures and behaviours. By exploring Hölldobler’s writings, readers can unlock the fascinating world of ants, discovering how they organise, communicate, and collaborate in ways that often mirror human societies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHis collection, featuring titles like \u003cem\u003eThe Guests of Ants\u003c\/em\u003e, is a captivating read for anyone curious about the natural world. These books are a treasure trove of knowledge for enthusiasts of Science \u0026amp; Nature, providing a window into the often hidden and extraordinary realm of ants. With Hölldobler’s expertise, readers are guided through the biological and ecological aspects of ant life, making it an enriching experience for both the casual reader and the dedicated scientist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEmbark on a journey through Bert Hölldobler’s works and gain a new appreciation for the tiny yet powerful creatures that share our world. Whether you are a seasoned biologist or a budding nature lover, his writings promise to illuminate and inspire.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-guests-of-ants-by-bert-holldobler-9780674265516","title":"The Guests of Ants","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA fascinating examination of socially parasitic invaders, from butterflies to bacteria, that survive and thrive by exploiting the communication systems of ant colonies.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDown below, on sidewalks, in fallen leaves, and across the forest floor, a covert invasion is taking place. Ant colonies, revered and studied for their complex collective behaviours, are being infiltrated by tiny organisms called myrmecophiles. Using incredibly sophisticated tactics, various species of butterflies, beetles, crickets, spiders, fungi, and bacteria insert themselves into ant colonies and decode the colonies' communication system. Once able to \"speak the language,\" these outsiders can masquerade as ants. Suddenly colony members can no longer distinguish friend from foe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePulitzer Prize–winning author and biologist Bert Hölldobler and behavioural ecologist Christina L. Kwapich explore this remarkable phenomenon, showing how myrmecophiles manage their feat of code-breaking and go on to exploit colony resources. Some myrmecophiles slip themselves into a colony's food, stealing liquid nutrition normally shared between ant nestmates. Other intruders use specialised organs and glandular secretions to entice ants or calm their aggression. Guiding readers through key experiments and observations, Hölldobler and Kwapich reveal a universe of behavioural mechanisms by which myrmecophiles turn ants into unwilling servants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs \u003ci\u003eThe Guests of Ants\u003c\/i\u003e makes clear, parasitism is both an essential evolutionary strategy and a highly complex one. Like other unwelcome guests, myrmecophiles both disrupt and depend on their host, making for an uneasy coexistence that nonetheless plays an important role in the balance of nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46855002947820,"sku":"9780674265516","price":145.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/bdeda8a66b4511a6c569af621cf36e1c.jpg?v=1759262734"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/bert-holldobler.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}