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Ant Architecture

The Wonder, Beauty, and Science of Underground Nests
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Ant Architecture by Walter R. Tschinkel delves into the intricate world of ant nest structures, exploring the fascinating ways ants build their homes and the ecological significance behind them. The book combines scientific research with engaging narratives, revealing how these small insects create complex and efficient living spaces that have inspired human architectural designs. It unravels the mysteries of ant life, offering insights into both their communal behaviour and the impact of their engineering feats on the environment.
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Format: Hardback
$5499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this fascinating exploration of ant colonies if you're intrigued by the intricate and intelligent structures created by these insects. The book offers a captivating glimpse into the complexity of natural architecture and the engineering feats of ants, which could inspire nature enthusiasts and those interested in the wonders of the animal kingdom.

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Photograph by Christina Kwapich

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Walter Tschinkel has spent much of his career investigating the hidden subterranean realm of ant nests. This wonderfully illustrated book takes you inside an unseen world where thousands of ants build intricate homes in the soil beneath our feet.

Tschinkel describes the ingenious methods he has devised to study ant nests, showing how he fills a nest with plaster, molten metal, or wax and painstakingly excavates the cast. He guides you through living ant nests chamber by chamber, revealing how nests are created and how colonies function. How does nest architecture vary across species? Do ants have architectural plans? How do nests affect our environment? As he delves into these and other questions, Tschinkel provides a one-of-a-kind natural history of the planet's most successful creatures and a compelling firsthand account of a life of scientific discovery.

Offering a unique look at how simple methods can lead to pioneering science, Ant Architecture addresses the unsolved mysteries of underground ant nests while charting new directions for tomorrow's research, and reflects on the role of beauty in nature and the joys of shoestring science.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Ant Architecture by Walter R. Tschinkel has been praised for its engaging portrayal of the scientific process, celebrating the dedication required to uncover scientific truths. Reviewers have highlighted its beautiful illustrations, engaging writing style, and occasional humour, making it accessible to both the scientific community and young science enthusiasts. The book provides a unique insight into the intricate structures created by ants, facilitated by Tschinkel's pioneering techniques in ant architecture exploration.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780691179315

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 22 June 2021

Country: United States

Imprint: Princeton University Press

Illustration: 105 color illus.

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 178.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 248

About the Author

Walter R. Tschinkel is professor emeritus of biological science at Florida State University and a world authority on ant biology. He is the author of The Fire Ants. He lives in Tallahassee, Florida.

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