Science - Role of society in animals
Animals reside in societies, which are characterized as a collective of living beings who are interconnected in their quest for survival and the pursuit of shared objectives. The social lives of honey bees and ants have astounded scientists, while migratory birds exhibit exceptional coordination as they plan and embark on journeys spanning thousands of miles together. Animals employ various forms of communication to facilitate tasks such as locating sustenance, engaging in labor, defending themselves, and exchanging information. In the face of danger, many animals unite and collaborate, as seen in the synchronized swimming of dolphins to ward off sharks. Ultimately, animals strive to endure, procure nourishment, reproduce, and nurture their offspring.
Qur'an - Role of society in animals
The verse below eloquently reveals that animals also possess societies akin to humans, and that both humans and animals will ultimately be accountable to Allah on the Day of Judgment. Interestingly, even 1400 years ago, people could witness the intricate social structures and cooperation among ants and a few other animals. Yet, the verse encompasses "all animals," a concept that remained concealed until recent times. The Qur'an urges us to delve into the study of animal societies, unravel their fascinating behaviors and modes of communication, and recognize them as divine Signs from Allah.
وَمَا مِن دَآبَّةٍ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَا طَـٰٓئِرٍ يَطِيرُ بِجَنَاحَيْهِ إِلَّآ أُمَمٌ أَمْثَالُكُم مَّا فَرَّطْنَا فِى ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ مِن شَىْءٍ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يُحْشَرُونَ
There is not an animal (that lives) on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but (forms part of) communities like you. Nothing have we omitted from the Book, and they (all) shall be gathered to their Lord in the end. 6:38
In the story of Prophet Solomon, we see that the ant warns the others in the colony and tells them to take refuge in their nests so they won't get crushed by the incoming army of the prophet. The ant is also aware of the fact that the prophet's army are not oppressors! Please see "Ant communication" for full details.
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَتَوْا۟ عَلَىٰ وَادِ ٱلنَّمْلِ قَالَتْ نَمْلَةٌ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّمْلُ ٱدْخُلُوا۟ مَسَـٰكِنَكُمْ لَا يَحْطِمَنَّكُمْ سُلَيْمَـٰنُ وَجُنُودُهُۥ وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ
At length, when they came to a (lowly) valley of ants, one of the ants said: "O you ants, get into your habitations, lest Solomon and his hosts may crush you (under foot) without knowing it. 27:18
The following verse state that Allah taught the bees to build their nests. We know that the bees build their hive in full cooperation of each other. Four separate groups of them start from 4 corners and build the hive towards the center. They reach the center all together in perfect harmony and precision. This is another example of cooperation in the society. Please see "Honey Bee" for full details.
وَأَوْحَىٰ رَبُّكَ إِلَى ٱلنَّحْلِ أَنِ ٱتَّخِذِى مِنَ ٱلْجِبَالِ بُيُوتًا وَمِنَ ٱلشَّجَرِ وَمِمَّا يَعْرِشُونَ
And your Lord taught the Bee to build its cells in hills, on trees, and in (men's) habitations; 16:68