Here is a concise summary of the provided text:
**Title:** Ancient Wars in the Natural World
**Summary:**
* The concept of war is not unique to humans, with conflicts dating back to at least 200,000 years ago, possibly between early humans and Neanderthals.
* Ants have been at war for over 100 million years, with complex societies, specialized roles, and sophisticated weaponry (e.g., acid cannons).
* A specific example is showcased where one ant colony defends against a rival colony and nomadic "army ants" that raid and destroy other colonies.
* Various ant species have developed unique defense strategies, including gliding ants with shield-like heads and explosive self-sacrifice.
* The narrative also touches on a documented case of a brutal, four-year war between two chimpanzee factions in the forest, highlighting the darker side of animal conflict, including tactics, territorial takeover, and cannibalism.
**Key Takeaway:** War is an ancient, natural phenomenon observed in various forms across the animal kingdom, including ants and primates, often driven by territorial and resource disputes.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text, keeping each fact a short sentence and excluding opinions:
**Prehistoric and General Facts**
1. Around 200,000 years ago, a possible first war in human history began, fought over territory and resources with Neanderthals.
2. Animals, including insects, have been engaging in conflicts long before humans.
**Ants and Their Colonies**
3. Ants build large colonies with complex social structures.
4. Ant colonies can have different professions, including night watchmen and food gatherers.
5. Ants engage in wars with other colonies, which can last for over a hundred million years.
**Specific Ant Species and Behaviors**
6. The Camponotus gigas ant species is considered one of the largest in the world, reaching up to three centimeters in length.
7. Some ants have acid cannons as a defense mechanism.
8. "Soldier" ants have larger heads and powerful jaws for fighting.
9. Ants can have a rank system, with larger ants often holding higher ranks.
10. Nomadic army ants migrate, devastating other ants' homes in the process, similar to historical nomadic warriors.
11. These nomadic ants are almost blind and navigate primarily by sound.
12. Gliding ants have a concave shield on their backs, used for protection and gliding if they fall from heights.
13. Some ant species can explode near enemies as a defense mechanism, sacrificing themselves.
**Other Animals and Conflict**
14. A documented war between chimpanzee factions occurred in a forest, lasting four years (approx. 50 years ago).
15. Chimpanzees in this conflict used cunning tactics, trapped enemies, and engaged in cannibalism.
16. The victors in the chimpanzee war took over the defeated group's territory.