What are the groups of ants within a colony called?

The term used to refer to the groups of ants within a colony is "castes." In ant colonies, different castes perform specialized functions essential for the survival and efficiency of the colony. The primary castes typically include the queen, the workers, and the males (drones). Each caste has distinct roles; for example, the queen’s role is to reproduce, the workers are responsible for foraging, caring for the queen's offspring, and maintaining the nest, while the males' role is to mate with the queen. This system of castes ensures that the colony operates smoothly and can adapt to various needs and challenges. Understanding castes is fundamental in studying ant behavior and colony dynamics.