What vital role do protein and fat components play in the growth of the *A. gracilipes* colony?
Answer
Nourishing the developing brood
Protein and fat components are indispensable for the developmental stages within the colony structure. These macronutrients are necessary to support the vigorous growth and differentiation of the young ants, meaning they are vital for nourishing the developing brood. While carbohydrates provide immediate operational energy, the structural components and biomass required for increasing colony size and replacing lost workers come from these richer sources, often obtained through consuming dead insects or small vertebrates. The balance between carbohydrate intake for daily function and protein/fat intake for growth dictates the colony's expansion rate.
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