Ants Dominate Nearly Every Corner of the Globe; A Few Regions Remain Unaffected
In a world teeming with diverse species, one group has seemingly taken over the planet - ants. With over 15,700 known species and subspecies, these tiny insects can be found on every continent except Antarctica and some remote islands, according to research by Matthew Nelsen, a research scientist at the Field Museum in Chicago.
Nelsen, the lead author of a 2023 paper investigating how ants became so universal, suggests that ants have been evolving alongside plants for the past 60 million years. This long-term co-evolution has played a significant role in the widespread distribution and diversity of ants.
The spread of flowering plants to drier regions, for instance, led to the evolution of many ant species alive today. In response to wetter environments created by certain plants, some ants even moved their nests from being primarily underground to up in the trees. This adaptability is a testament to the incredible resilience and versatility of ants.
For those interested in exploring the distribution of ant species, an interactive map can be found on antmaps.org. However, the question of who coordinates the worldwide spread of ants and other invertebrates in the tropics and subtropics remains unanswered in the search results.
Despite this, it's clear that ants have been taking their lead from plants, particularly in terms of habitat. No native ant species are found in Iceland, Greenland, parts of eastern Polynesia, and certain remote islands. This geographical distribution suggests that the evolution of ants has been largely influenced by the spread and adaptation of plants.
In the grand scheme of Earth's biodiversity, ants have proven to be an integral and fascinating part of the puzzle. Their evolutionary journey, marked by adaptability and resilience, continues to unfold, offering endless opportunities for discovery and understanding.
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