How Do Ants Help the Earth?
WouterDuring the late Cretaceous period, ants were found on the Earth’s surface. They were also a vital component of the ecosystem. They were useful for nutrient cycling and seed dispersal. They also helped with pest control in some areas.
There are approximately 14,000 different species of ants on the planet. They live on every continent except Antarctica. Ants also play a big role in decomposition. They break up dead plants and animals and recycle nutrients back into the soil.
Some species build anthills that tower many feet into the air. Some anthills feature massive networks of connected chambers.
Ants have been around for over 170 million years. They are found from the arctic circle to southern Africa. They have also survived many catastrophes, including the dinosaur extinction. They have survived the plate tectonics that split Pangea.
Ants also aerate the soil by allowing air to circulate and move around. This helps the roots of plants to grow through the soil. It also helps to prevent soil from becoming packed down from heavy rainfall.
Ants are also known for their ability to carry food back to the colony. They will go after anything that provides them with a source of energy. They will also carry bits of plant remains into their nests.
There are many species of ants on Earth, including the carpenter ant and the harvester ant. These insects eat pests that are detrimental to crops. They also store seeds in mounds.
