The allocation of workers to tasks was studied in simulations and in experiments with leaf-cutting ants (Atta). Simulations show that the allocation of workers can be a critical factor in colony performance. Corpses occur in nests unpredictably and in low frequency. Undertaking is done by a large task group (30% or more of the workers in a colony) that includes workers from all but the very smallest and largest size classes. Identified undertakers have a broad repertoire of within-nest tasks, foraging and defense, but not fungus tending or brood care. This pattern is interpreted as a mechanism for efficient undertaking at the colony level, since corpses are rapidly and reliably removed from the nest. Allocation of workers to brood care will be contrasted with the pattern for undertaking; this task is chosen because the demand for brood care is stable and predictable in time and space.