Ants carry dead ants primarily to prevent the spread of disease within their colony. When an ant dies, its body releases chemicals such as oleic acid that signal to other ants that it is dead. In response, worker ants remove the dead ant's body from the colony or bury it in a designated "graveyard" area to keep the nest clean and hygienic. This behavior, called necrophoresis, helps protect the colony from harmful bacteria or pathogens that could arise from decaying corpses. Additionally, carrying away the dead also helps prevent attracting predators to the colony. Some ants even isolate themselves when they sense they are near death to avoid contaminating the colony. The transportation of dead ants helps in recycling nutrients as well, as ants may consume parts of the deceased. Overall, this behavior is an evolved survival strategy for maintaining the health and safety of the entire colony, which functions as a highly organized community with distinct roles among its members.
