What is one of the main functions of the antennae in ants?

Antennae in ants primarily serve as essential sensory organs. They are crucial for environmental sensing, which allows ants to navigate their surroundings, locate food sources, communicate with each other, and recognize pheromone trails. The complex structure of the antennae aids in detecting various stimuli such as chemical signals, vibrations, and changes in air pressure, which are vital for survival and social interaction within the colony.

The other functions listed are not performed by the antennae. For example, flight support is relevant to winged insects rather than ants, which primarily engage in terrestrial behaviors. Defense mechanisms in ants are often carried out through their physical attributes like mandibles or stingers rather than their antennae, and reproduction involves specific organs and behaviors that are not related to the antennae's primary sensory functions. Thus, the role of antennae as environmental sensors is fundamental and distinctive in the context of ant biology.