Unexpected Elements Ant antics
May 9, 2025
Mariella Superina, a leading conservationist from the IUCN, and Ryan Garrett, an expert ant wrangler, dive deep into the fascinating world of ants and their intricate societies. They discuss the surprising case of ant smuggling in Kenya and the ecological importance of various ant species. The conversation takes a quirky turn with insights into how ants have even made their way into space! Mariella shares the unique adaptations of anteaters and the unexpected dangers of plant smuggling, revealing a captivating connection between these remarkable creatures.
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Hell Ants: Dinosaur Era Predators
- Hell ants existed 113 million years ago, coexisting with dinosaurs.
- Their scythe-like mandibles were used to stab prey, showcasing ancient predatory adaptations.
Chicken-Sized Anteating Dinosaurs
- Some dinosaurs miniaturized to chicken size and specialized as anteaters 100 million years ago.
- Flowering plant explosion led to more insects, fostering these evolutionary niches in Cretaceous period.
Ants Detect Cancer Rapidly
- Ants have a strong sense of smell capable of detecting cancer compounds.
- They can be trained within 30 minutes to recognize cancer markers, much faster than dogs.