Science: The Civilized Ants

In a new book. The Ant World (Penguin Books; 50¢), British Entomologist Derek Wragge Morley keeps insisting that ants are ants, and must not be confused with humans. But readers who follow him on his rounds through the cities of the ants will find many reminders of human behavior.

Ants are not the models of industry that they are reputed to be. They spend many waking hours just lazing around or sunning themselves. They stage mock-battles and wrestling matches. Before they sleep they often make themselves comfortable by scooping smooth hollows in the soil. When they wake they stretch their six legs...