{"id":2413,"date":"2022-03-17T18:55:22","date_gmt":"2022-03-17T10:55:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/?p=2413"},"modified":"2023-09-19T20:13:07","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T12:13:07","slug":"do-ants-have-bones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-have-bones\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Ants Have Bones?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>No, ants do not have bones or endoskeletons (internal skeletons). Instead, they have exoskeletons (external skeletons).\u00a0These exoskeletons provide structural support and shape to their bodies. They also protect them from drying out and physical harm.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll learn more about the ant skeletal system as we discuss the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>What are bones<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why ants don\u2019t have bones<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What is an exoskeleton?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advantages and disadvantages of exoskeletons<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/do-ants-have-bones-b-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"do ants have bones\" class=\"wp-image-3360\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/do-ants-have-bones-b-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/do-ants-have-bones-b-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/do-ants-have-bones-b-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/do-ants-have-bones-b.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image by <a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/users\/ekamelev-7515128\/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=3395484\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u0415\u0433\u043e\u0440 \u041a\u0430\u043c\u0435\u043b\u0435\u0432<\/a> from <a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=3395484\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_64 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-have-bones\/#What_Are_Bones_Anyway\" title=\"What Are Bones Anyway?\">What Are Bones Anyway?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-have-bones\/#Why_Dont_Ants_Have_Bones\" title=\"Why Don\u2019t Ants Have Bones?\">Why Don\u2019t Ants Have Bones?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-have-bones\/#What_Is_An_Exoskeleton\" title=\"What Is An Exoskeleton?\">What Is An Exoskeleton?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-have-bones\/#Epicuticle\" title=\"Epicuticle\">Epicuticle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-have-bones\/#Procuticle\" title=\"Procuticle\">Procuticle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-have-bones\/#Epidermis\" title=\"Epidermis\">Epidermis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-have-bones\/#Basement_Layer\" title=\"Basement Layer\">Basement Layer<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-have-bones\/#Advantages_Of_Exoskeletons\" title=\"Advantages Of Exoskeletons\">Advantages Of Exoskeletons<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-have-bones\/#Disadvantages_Of_Exoskeletons\" title=\"Disadvantages Of Exoskeletons\">Disadvantages Of Exoskeletons<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-have-bones\/#Related_Questions\" title=\"Related Questions\">Related Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-have-bones\/#Do_Ants_Have_Spines\" title=\"Do Ants Have Spines?\">Do Ants Have Spines?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-have-bones\/#Do_Ants_Have_Teeth\" title=\"Do Ants Have Teeth?\">Do Ants Have Teeth?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-have-bones\/#Summary_Do_Ants_Have_Bones\" title=\"Summary: Do Ants Have Bones?\">Summary: Do Ants Have Bones?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Bones_Anyway\"><\/span>What Are Bones Anyway?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bones are<strong> rigid body tissues<\/strong> consisting of cells embedded in hard intercellular material. Its functions include structural support and protection of soft tissues and organs. They\u2019re only found in the <strong>skeletal system of vertebrates<\/strong>. [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/bone-anatomy\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/bone-anatomy\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Dont_Ants_Have_Bones\"><\/span>Why Don\u2019t Ants Have Bones?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ants don&#8217;t have bones because they&#8217;re invertebrates<\/strong>. They belong to a category of animals that don&#8217;t have backbones or bony structures. Instead, invertebrates have either hydrostatic skeletons or exoskeletons.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The former is a skeleton formed by a fluid-filled compartment called the coelom. It\u2019s typically found in soft-bodied animals such as Cnidarians and earthworms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The latter, on the other hand, is a skeletal system that features an exoskeleton. This system is commonly found in arthropods like ants.\u00a0See this article to learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/are-ants-arthropods\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2029\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ants as arthropods<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_An_Exoskeleton\"><\/span>What Is An Exoskeleton?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/are-ants-active-at-night-2-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"are ants nocturnal\" class=\"wp-image-2006\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/are-ants-active-at-night-2-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/are-ants-active-at-night-2-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/are-ants-active-at-night-2-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/are-ants-active-at-night-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>An exoskeleton is a <strong>rigid external encasement found in the exterior of arthropods<\/strong>. Similar to bones or an endoskeleton, they support and protect the soft tissues and organs of the body. Furthermore, exoskeletons have waterproof properties and help prevent desiccation or drying out. [<a href=\"https:\/\/biologydictionary.net\/exoskeleton\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/biologydictionary.net\/exoskeleton\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The exoskeleton is a multi-layered structure. <strong>It consists of 4 different layers, both living and non-living.<\/strong> [<a href=\"https:\/\/genent.cals.ncsu.edu\/bug-bytes\/exoskeleton\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/genent.cals.ncsu.edu\/bug-bytes\/exoskeleton\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These layers are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Epicuticle\"><\/span>Epicuticle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The epicuticle is the top or <strong>outermost layer of the exoskeleton<\/strong>. Its primary function is to prevent water loss and block the invasion of foreign bodies.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s subsequently composed of 3 more layers. The innermost layer is the cuticulin layer. This layer is composed of lipoproteins and fatty acids. It extends over the entire body and serves as a barrier for chemicals during molting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On top of the cuticulin is a wax layer. This layer serves as the barrier to the movement of water into or out of the ant&#8217;s body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, the top layer of the epicuticle is the cement layer. This layer keeps the wax layer intact and protects it from abrasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Procuticle\"><\/span>Procuticle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The next layer is the procuticle. This layer is primarily made of a <strong>tough fibrous material called chitin<\/strong>. This material is similar to the cellulose of plant cell walls. It provides the exoskeleton with hardness and rigidity to protect the body.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The procuticle consists of 2 layers, a hard, outer exocuticle, and a soft, inner endocuticle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Epidermis\"><\/span>Epidermis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Below the procuticle is a <strong>living cellular layer<\/strong> called the epidermis. This layer <strong>secretes the non-living cuticle<\/strong> that lies above it. It also produces part of the basement layer below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Basement_Layer\"><\/span>Basement Layer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the epidermis is the basement layer. This layer supports the epidermal cells. They also <strong>separate the ant\u2019s body cavity from the exoskeleton<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Advantages_Of_Exoskeletons\"><\/span>Advantages Of Exoskeletons<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The primary advantage of having an exoskeleton is the protection that it provides. They\u2019re basically body armor. <strong>They can deform and absorb physical blows to protect the ant\u2019s internal structures.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, they also help prevent desiccation and invasion of foreign bodies.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Disadvantages_Of_Exoskeletons\"><\/span>Disadvantages Of Exoskeletons<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As exoskeletons are rigid, they <strong>can\u2019t stretch to accommodate growth<\/strong>. Because of this, ants have to molt or shed their exoskeletons to grow and develop.\u00a0Check this article to learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-molt\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2405\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ants molting<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When they do, they become extremely <strong>vulnerable to predators<\/strong>. They essentially can&#8217;t move while molting. Additionally, they will lack protection for some time as their new exoskeletons harden. [<a href=\"https:\/\/cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com\/blogs.cornell.edu\/dist\/7\/3643\/files\/2013\/09\/Exoskeletons-1dvznk6.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com\/blogs.cornell.edu\/dist\/7\/3643\/files\/2013\/09\/Exoskeletons-1dvznk6.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apart from that, chemical imbalances and other factors can cause issues while molting. These may cause mutilation and sometimes result in death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another disadvantage is the fact that exoskeletons <strong>limit size<\/strong>. This prevents ants from developing more complex structures. These structures may provide them with adaptive advantages. They may also allow ants access to a wider range of prey more prey. [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/4448870\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/4448870\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, there are some advantages that come with being smaller. Small creatures tend to survive large calamities. So, it\u2019s actually more of a double-edged sword.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Questions\"><\/span>Related Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/do-ants-have-teeth-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"do ants have teeth\" class=\"wp-image-2414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/do-ants-have-teeth-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/do-ants-have-teeth-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/do-ants-have-teeth-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/do-ants-have-teeth.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Myrmecia_nigrocincta_(Australian_Bull_Ant).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Matt Inman<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_Ants_Have_Spines\"><\/span>Do Ants Have Spines?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>No, ants don\u2019t have spines.<\/strong> Again, ants are invertebrates. Invertebrates don\u2019t have spines or any other bones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_Ants_Have_Teeth\"><\/span>Do Ants Have Teeth?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ants have external teeth attached to their mandibles.<\/strong> These teeth are strong and sharp. Ants use them to transport food items, and process food. They also use them to defend themselves and decapitate or dismember prey.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary_Do_Ants_Have_Bones\"><\/span>Summary: Do Ants Have Bones?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To summarize, no ants don\u2019t have bones. Ants are invertebrates. This means that they have internal skeletons. Instead, they have hard rigid exoskeletons. These exoskeletons are primarily composed of chitin. They support and protect their bodies.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>No, ants do not have bones or endoskeletons (internal skeletons). Instead, they have exoskeletons (external skeletons).\u00a0These exoskeletons provide structural support and shape to their bodies. They also protect them from drying out and physical harm. In this article, we\u2019ll learn more about the ant skeletal system as we discuss the following: What Are Bones Anyway?&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3360,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2413"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2413"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2413\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3730,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2413\/revisions\/3730"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2413"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2413"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2413"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}