Logistic Constraints on 3D Termite Construction

Abstract

Abstract. The building behaviour of termites has previously been modelled mathematically in two dimensions. However, physical and logistic constraints were not taken into account in these models. Here, we develop and test a three-dimensional agent-based model of this process that places realistic constraints on the diffusion of pheromones, the movement of termites, and the integrity of the architecture that they construct. The following scenarios are modelled: the use of a pheromone template in the construction of a simple royal chamber, the effect of wind on this process, and the construction of covered pathways. We consider the role of the third dimension and the effect of logistic constraints on termite behaviour and, reciprocally, the structures that they create. For instance, when agents find it difficult to reach some elevated or exterior areas of the growing structure, building proceeds at a reduced rate in these areas, ultimately influencing the range of termite-buildable architectures.

Wasps, Termites, and Waspmites: Distinguishing Competence from Performance in Collective Construction

“…For instance, the behavioural mechanisms that termites use to construct their amazing mounds [11] were not evolved for construction, per se, but for constructing termite mounds specifically [32,33]. Our immune system has not evolved to classify arbitrary patterns, but to deal with the particular kinds of pathogen to which we have historically been exposed.…”

“…We then present a specific model inspired by the behaviour of paper wasps [47], and detail its behaviour, before analysing the source of shortcomings in its performance. After a discussion of these and their implications, we explore an extended "waspmite" scheme that incorporates pheromone-mediated behaviour typically employed by species of mound-building termites [32,33]. We present some readily buildable waspmite structures, before, finally, contrasting the performance and competence of the new scheme with that of schemes that inspired it.…”

“…The formation of termite mound structures has been investigated by Bonabeau et al [8] and subsequently by two of the authors [32,33]. In both models the agents were directed solely by local information and had no overall plan of the structure being produced.…”

The role of logistic constraints in termite construction of chambers and tunnels

“…It is important to note that while including logistic constraints and a third dimension increases the realism of our model when compared with previous work, we are including these specific factors in order to explore their influence on construction since they might be expected to affect previous results, rather than due to a desire for increased realism, per se. Initial results from this model have been reported briefly elsewhere in the context of engineering and optimization (Ladley and Bullock, 2004). Here, we present biological implications of results from simulations of royal-chamber construction, walkway formation, the effects of wind, and, for the first time, the formation of entrances.…”

“…While some models of decentralized insect construction have incorporated logistic constraints of the kind described above, they have not included the role of pheromone diffusion (Bonabeau et al, 1994;The´raulaz and Bonabeau, 1995;Bonabeau et al, 2000) and/or have tackled the problem from an engineering rather than biological viewpoint (Murata et al, 2002;Ladley and Bullock, 2004;Howsman et al, 2004).…”