from The Beauties of Nature and the Wonders of the World We Live In

The author contrasts ants with other species of insects.

The author describes the communal structure of ants.

The author explains the life cycles of ants.

The author focuses on the benefits that ants provide.

research

military

hunting

hiding

"The community consists, in addition to the young, of males which do no work, of wingless workers, and one or more queen mothers, who have at first wings, which, however, after one marriage flight, they throw off, as they never leave the nest again ..." (paragraph 1)

"In our English ants, the workers in each species are all similar except in size, but among foreign species there are some in which there are two or even more classes of workers, differing greatly not only in size, but also in form." (paragraph 2)

"The communities of ants are sometimes very large, numbering even up to 500,000 individuals; and it is a lesson to us, that no one has ever yet seen a quarrel between any two ants belonging to the same community." (paragraph 4)

"... I several times divided a nest into two halves, and found that even after a separation of a year and nine months they recognized one another, and were perfectly friendly; while they at once attacked ants from a different nest, although of the same species." (paragraph 5)

The author uses a simile to describe ants as orderly in the way they move.

The author uses a metaphor to describe ants as aggressive and eager to fight.

The author uses irony to describe ants as followers that act without thought.

The author uses imagery to describe ants as frenzied and constantly moving.

By explaining how ants enslave Aphides, the paragraph strengthens the claim that ants are exceptionally cruel.

By including information about where Aphides are found, the paragraph provides additional details about the habitats of ants.

By describing the relationship between ants and Aphides, the paragraph strengthens the claim that ants are sophisticated creatures.

By emphasizing the effects of ants on Aphides, the paragraph implies that ants are an invasive species.

by using comparison to emphasize the similarities between humans and ants

by using formal scientific language to provide a general overview of ants

by using quotes from experts to correct misconceptions people have about ants

by using personification to imagine the thoughts and feelings of ants

"Their life is comparatively long: I have had working ants which were seven years old, and a queen ant lived in one of my nests for fifteen years." (paragraph 1)

"Solomon was, so far as we yet know, quite correct in describing ants as having 'neither guide, overseer, nor ruler.'" (paragraph 3)

"It is evident therefore that the ants of each community all recognize one another, which is very remarkable." (paragraph 5)

"... and all our recent observations tend to confirm the opinion that their mental powers differ from those of men not so much in kind as in degree." (paragraph 7)