Ants select the most functional tools and further adapt them for use

Ants have been shown to experiment with tools and choose those that were easiest to handle and could soak up plenty of liquid, such as bits of sponge or paper, despite them not being found in the insects’ natural environment.  This suggests that ants can take into account the properties of both the tool and the liquid they are transporting. It also indicates they can learn to use new tools.  Some ant species are known to use tools, such as mud or sand grains, to collect and transport liquid to their nests. But this is the first time they are shown to select the most suitable ones.