What Kingdom Do Ants Belong To?
WouterUsing ants as a surrogate for vertebrates is a great way to study ecological diversity. Because of their close relationship with plants, ants play an important role in ecosystems.
The Formicidae family is a large group of insect species. They are found throughout the world and are important bioindicators. They have complex social systems, with many species living in colonies. Their species share a common nest site, and many species cooperate in caring for young.
Many ant species feed on plant seeds, while others rely on fungi, nectar, and other plant fluids for their food. They also provide ecological services such as seed dispersal, aeration, and cycling of nutrients. Their specialized chemicals, known as pheromones, aid ants in communicating with each other. These chemicals are also helpful in marking trails to food.
Ants have a hard outer body known as an exoskeleton. They also have six legs that are attached to their thorax.
Ants can be divided into two subfamilies. One subfamily is made up of reproductive ants. Reproductive ants usually have wings. They sometimes lose them after mating. They are also usually larger than workers. They are also able to change jobs from time to time.
The other subfamily is made up of worker ants. Workers are female. Their job is to take care of the queen and the young. They also provide food to the colony. They may have a lifespan of one to three years.
The Formicidae family includes the famous army ant, as well as the pavement ant, the thief ant, and the big-headed ant. They are also found in Australia. The army ant, however, is the most common of the hunting ants. They live in large colonies and may number in the thousands. They may prey on birds and reptiles. They also build extensive traps made of plant fiber.
