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The ants cultivate dozens of these fungus gardens throughout the colony.
蚂蚁在整个蚁群里 栽种了几十个这种霉菌园
This is what they eat.
这是它们赖以维生的食物
The system is so efficient
这个系统很有效率
that a single colony can have five million members.
光是一个蚁群 就能养活五百万个成员
But the fungus is also dangerous.
但霉菌也很危险
As it grows it releases carbon dioxide that could asphyxiate the entire colony.
霉菌生长时会释放二氧化碳 可能害整个蚁群窒息而亡
The ants' way of dealing with this danger is ingenious.
蚂蚁应付这种危险的手段 非常巧妙
They construct their nest
它们盖的巢穴
so that it has an automatic air-conditioning system.
附有自动空调系统
The outer surface is so shaped that the slightest breeze
外部表面的造型特殊 只要淡淡清风
sucks out staleair through these central vents.
就能从中央气孔吸出滞闷空气
At the same time, fresh air is drawn down through the outer vents,
同时透过外部气孔 把新鲜空气吸下去
right into the heart of the nest.
直接灌入巢穴核心
Our own societies have existed for thousands of years
人类自己的社会存在了几千年
but insect societies have lasted for millions.
但昆虫社会 已经延续了数百万年
