How Much Do Ants Outnumber Humans on Earth?
WouterUntil now, estimates of the number of ants on Earth have largely been based on extrapolations from particular parts of the world. However, a new study from an international team of scientists has taken a bottom-up approach and calculated a new ant census count.
The results of this study indicate that the number of ants on Earth is at least 20 quadrillion. This is double the rough calculation made by E. O. Wilson, a professor at Harvard University.
The total biomass of ants is also more than the combined biomass of all wild mammals and birds on Earth. This biomass is roughly 20% of the total biomass of all humans.
These numbers indicate that ants are a significant part of the ecosystem, helping to increase the local availability of nutrients. They also disperse seeds and break down organic material. In addition, ants are known to lift many times their own weight.
Researchers compiled the new ant census count from a number of studies on the number of ants in various habitats throughout the world. The study’s results provide a baseline for future studies of the role of insects in ecosystems. These findings could help scientists understand the impact of ants on ecosystems, and also how they respond to environmental change.
The total weight of ants on Earth is more than 22 trillion pounds. This is more than the weight of all humans on earth.
The total biomass of all ants on Earth is twelve megatons of carbon. This is equal to the two Pyramids of Giza, or the combined biomass of all wild mammals and birds.
