FISH HOOK ANTS Polyrhachis bihamata Kingdom: Animalia
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ECOLOGY This species of ant is noted for the three pairs of
curved spines from which it gets its common name. They can grow as
big as 1.5 cm long. They nest in dead hollow trees in a colony.
Scientific Name: Polyrhachis bihamata Common name: Fish Hook Ant
Location: Phillipines, Java, Laos, Sumatra, India and China Niche:
Within the colony to protect and provide food for the queen of the
colony. Niche: Within the ecosystem their role are scavengers. They
feed off the remains of dead organisms and recycle nutrients back
into the ecosystem.
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ECOLOGY Diet: Feeds on dead and decaying organisms Predators:
Insectivores- birds, lizards, Army Ants Population: Unknown
recently discovered. At present time not on endangered list.
Vegetation Flying Lamar Philippine Eagle Fish Hook Ant
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ECOLOGY Symbiotic Relationship: Predation: Predators such as
birds and lizards eat the Fish Hook Ants for food. This keeps the
ant population in check which prevents an overpopulation of Fish
Hook Ants.
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BIOCHEMISTRY Protein: Fish Hook Ants are able to obtain protein
from dead organism that they feed upon. The protein is used by the
cells for chemical processes. Carbohydrates: Polysaccharides-Chitin
which they obtain from the exoskeleton of insects. Which in turn
the larva of the ants use to make their exoskeleton.
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Cells & Cellular Processes Cell Type: Eukaryotic Animal
Cell Number of cells: Multicellular Organism produces energy
through the process of cellular respiration Fish Hook Ant break
down carbohydrates in order to release energy in the process of
cellular respiration
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Genetics Variation in color: Red and Black R = red r = black L
= long l = short P1= Heterozygous in color & homozygous long
antenna P2= Homozygous black color & heterozygous antenna RrLL
X rrLl RrLL rrLL RrLl rrLl RrLL rrLL RrLl rrLl RL rL rl rL rl
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EVOLUTION Organisms closely related to Fish Hook Ants are Bees
and Wasps Classification: Since Ants Bees and Wasps are in the same
Order means they are closely related.
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EVOLUTION 3 traits that serve as an adaptation to help them
survive and reproduce 1) 3 razor sharp fish hook-like claws on
their backs for defense. 2) They are able to use these hooks to
hook on to other Fish Hook Ants to deter an attack from a predator
on a single individual ant. 3) The hooks of the ants are embedded
into the flesh of the attacking predator A Fish Hook Ant colony
does not compete with each other for food within the colonies.
However there is competition between different colonies for their
food.
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Human Impact Humans are having a negative direct impact on the
Fish Hook Ants due to the deforestation of the Rain Forest. Since
Fish Hook Ant colonies nest in trees, the clearing of the Rain
Forest for human usage means fewer trees in which the ants have for
shelter.
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Work Cited (1) Manila, Luzon Animals In the Philippines
http://www.philippines.hvu.nl/animals1.htmhttp://www.philippines.hvu.nl/animals1.htm
(2) Wrenn, Eddie Scientists unveil 20 new species... including a
giant blue scorpion and massive hairy spider (how DID we ever get
by without them?) 6 June 2012
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2155441/Scientists-unveil-20-new-
species--blue-scorpion-tarantula-size-hand-got-knowing.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2155441/Scientists-unveil-20-new-
species--blue-scorpion-tarantula-size-hand-got-knowing.html
