Which caste in the ant social order is responsible for foraging and protecting the colony?

The worker ants are the caste responsible for foraging and protecting the colony. Within the social structure of an ant colony, worker ants play a vital role in various activities necessary for the survival and maintenance of the colony. This includes gathering food, caring for the queen's offspring, constructing and repairing the nest, and defending the colony from intruders.

This specialized role is crucial because, without foraging, the colony would struggle to obtain food and sustain itself. Protection from predators and rival colonies is equally important to ensure the safety and continuity of the colony's life. In contrast, the queen ant focuses primarily on reproduction, while male and drone ants typically have limited roles that are primarily focused on mating during the reproductive season. Therefore, the worker ants are key players in the day-to-day operations and overall survival of the colony.