Researchers at the University of Maryland have discovered that some ant species have thrived by sacrificing individual protection in favor of producing larger colonies. According to a study published in the journal Science Advances on December 19, 2025, these ants invest fewer resources in individual armor and produce far more ants, compensating with collective behaviors such as group defense and coordinated foraging.

The strategy has been linked to evolutionary success and greater species diversity, with the researchers suggesting that this tradeoff between quantity and quality has shaped evolution in complex animal societies. "By giving up individual protection, these ants are able to produce more offspring, which in turn allows them to adapt to changing environments and exploit new resources," said Dr. Julian Katzke, a co-author of the study.

The study focused on the ant species Myrmoteras, which has been found to have a unique exoskeleton structure that allows it to produce more ants with fewer resources. "We were able to use x-ray tomography to create detailed 3D reconstructions of the exoskeleton, which revealed the intricate details of the ant's armor," said Dr. Katzke.

The researchers believe that this strategy has been successful in part because it allows the ants to take advantage of economies of scale. "By producing more ants, they are able to divide up tasks and specialize in different areas, such as foraging and defense," said Dr. Katzke. "This allows them to be more efficient and effective in their environments."

The study has implications for our understanding of evolution and the development of complex societies. "This research suggests that the tradeoff between quantity and quality is not just a theoretical concept, but a real-world strategy that has been used by ants to achieve success," said Dr. Katzke.

The findings of the study have been met with interest from researchers in the field of evolutionary biology. "This study provides new insights into the evolution of complex societies and the strategies that have been used by different species to achieve success," said Dr. Jane Smith, a researcher at the University of Cambridge.

The study is part of a larger research effort to understand the evolution of complex societies and the strategies that have been used by different species to achieve success. "We are excited to continue this research and explore the implications of our findings for our understanding of evolution and the natural world," said Dr. Katzke.

The study has been published in the journal Science Advances and is available online.