Can Ants Become Extinct?
WouterThousands of species of ants are known today. Each species specializes in its ecological niche. Ants live in colonies and are capable of forming complex societies that solve many problems. They scavenge, pollinate, and improve the quality of the soil. They also provide a food source for many other creatures.
Ants are the most widespread insect species in the world. They can be found anywhere from the Arctic Circle to southern Africa. In some places, they even make nests in tree tops.
Ants are the top predators on the planet. Their presence is essential to the health of the earth’s ecosystem. They are a key part of the food chain, providing protein to many creatures, including humans. They are also a valuable source of pest control. Without ants, many animal species would die.
The population of ants has been declining worldwide. This is caused by climate change, the introduction of new species, and the use of inorganic fertilizers. Among the ant species, some are considered invasive and may damage timber and other natural resources.
Ants are found in every land mass on earth. Their numbers have declined dramatically in recent years. Ants have been around for close to 80 million years. Some species live in leaf litter and others burrow into the forest floor.
Scientists have recently found a previously unknown species of ant in fossilized amber. They named it Desyopone gen. et. nov. Using X-ray light source PETRA III at the German Electron Synchrotron (DESY) in Hamburg, researchers analyzed the fossil remains of 13 individual animals.
