10 qualities of ant with interesting facts
Ant is the common name given to the insects that make up the family of ants Formicidae That are included in the order of membrane windged ( Hymenoptera ), together with Wasps and bees, and that show social life. Ants descended from bumblebee-like animals in the mid- Cretaceous Period 110 to 130 million years ago and diversified after the emergence of flowering plants.
Today, more than 12,000 species are classified and it is estimated that there are around 14,000 species. They are easily recognized by their elbow antennae and knotty structures forming their thin waist. Ants live in communities ranging from a few dozen predatory individuals living in small natural cavities to highly organized colonies, that cover vast territories and contain millions of individuals. Large colonies are mostly made up of sterile females who make up the "worker" and "soldier" classes.
These colonies also contain fertile males these colonies also contain fertile males and one or more fertile females called "queens". These colonies are sometimes described as Superorganism Because the ants work together as a single body to support the colony. The benefits of ants for nature, They contribute to the Airing of the soil and enrichment In terms of humus. They feed on insects that damage trees in the forest and prevent the balance of nature. Ants carry seeds to their nest and contribute to their germination and reproduction. Ants are found in almost every piece of land on Earth. The rare places with distinctive ant species are Antarctica, Along with some remote and uninhabitable Islands. Ants can live in most ecosystems and make up about 15% to 25 of land animal biomass. These achievements have been attributed to their social organization.
Ability to change their living space, utilize resources and defend themselves. During the long evolutionary process they spent with other species, They develop interspecies relationship Including similarity commonality parasitism and reciprocity. Division of labor, Interpersonal communication and solution of complex problems are encountered in ant community. These parallel with human societies have been the subject of many scientific studies. In many human cultures, ants are used in Cuisine medicine, and rituals. Some species play an important role in biological pest control However, their exploitation of resources, Puts Ants In conflict with humans because they can damage agricultural produce and occupy buildings.
Some species, Such as the red fire ants ( solenopsis Invicta ), are considered to be invasive species because they can find a place for themselves in new areas where they are accidentally introduced
