Algorithms for task allocation in ants. (A study of temporal polyethism: Theory) (Q688415): Difference between revisions

An algorithm for allocating individual ants to tasks that relies solely on task change being caused by the unavailability of work is presented. It is proved that such an algorithm will allocate the correct number of individuals to each job. Furthermore, the author demonstrates that if such an algorithm is used then an age structure emerges over the ants performing the various tasks. This matches closely with the weak temporal structure over tasks that was observed in previous experiments.