Science Weekly
How the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs made ants into farmers
Oct 22, 2024
Ted Schultz, a curator of ants at the Smithsonian, shares his insights into the fascinating world of fungus-farming ants. He discusses how these ants cultivate fungi much like humans farm crops, creating a symbiotic relationship that dates back to the catastrophic asteroid impact 66 million years ago. Schultz explains their complex farming techniques, including the challenges they face and their evolutionary strategies. This captivating conversation sheds light on the intertwined histories of both ants and human agricultural practices.
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Quick takeaways
- Ants demonstrate advanced agricultural techniques reminiscent of humans, managing fungi gardens through cultivation, weeding, and antibiotic application for sustainability.
- The evolutionary origins of fungus-farming ants are linked to the asteroid impact 66 million years ago, which fostered their mutually beneficial relationship with fungi.
Deep dives
The Agricultural Practices of Ants
Ants engage in complex agricultural practices that are surprisingly advanced, mirroring aspects of human farming. They not only cultivate fungi by planting and harvesting it but also manage their gardens by patrolling, weeding, and applying antibiotics from bacteria found on their bodies. These processes are essential for maintaining the health of their gardens and ensuring a steady food supply for their colonies. In a way similar to humans preserving seeds for future crops, ants provide their daughter queens with a portion of the fungus garden when they establish new nests, showcasing a remarkable strategy for continuity and sustainability.
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