Why Are Ants So Important to the Ecosystem?
WouterAmong the many creatures that call the planet Earth home, the ant is an interesting creature. They are a specialized creature that is capable of doing many different things. Their contributions are important in many different areas of the ecosystem.
One of the most important things that ants do is help new plants grow. They can spread seeds and fertilize the soil with nutrients. They also help with pest control.
One of the most impressive aspects of ants is that they are capable of organizing hierarchical populations. They are capable of making decisions based on the chemical composition of their nest mates. They also have an amazing ability to respond to environmental change.
Some species are considered to be decomposers and others are considered to be pollinators. Some species are also considered to be the main source of food for insects and other creatures. Some species of ants are capable of restoring carbon to the food chain.
The most obvious example of ants’ contributions to the ecosystem is that they help make our planet habitable. They eat a lot of organic material and they clean up the earth.
Some species of ants have become a nuisance. They can be poisonous and can pose a health hazard. Others can be dangerous if their nests grow out of control. Some species are known to be aggressive and have painful stings.
The number of ants on Earth is a bit of a mystery. Some estimates put the number at approximately 15 percent of the earth’s biomass. There are approximately 14,000 species of ants.
