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Summary: Abstract A task is said to be partitioned when it is split
into two or more sequential stages and material is passed
from one worker to another; for instance, one individual
collects a material from a source and passes it to another
for transportation back to the nest. In this study, we re-
view the existence of task partitioning in leafcutting ants
(Attini) and find that, across species, this form of work
organisation occurs in all stages of leaf collection, leaf
transportation, and leaf processing within the nest; in the
deposition of refuse (leaves and spent fungal garden) to
internal or external dumps; and in colony emigration.
Thus, task partitioning is shown to be a very important
component of work organisation in leafcutting ants. Ex-
amples mostly concern Atta but task partitioning is also
known in Acromyrmex. The costs and benefits of task
partitioning of the various stages are discussed and sug-
gestions for further research are highlighted.
Keywords Task partitioning · Material transfer · Leaf
processing · Waste management · Atta · Acromyrmex
Introduction
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