Distribution, spread and ecological importance
GeneralThey are almost everywhere in our ecosystem: ants - the secret world power. The only exceptions are very cold and very warm regions of the world. Ants are particularly rare in the polar regions. In desert regions there are a few highly adapted ant species that have evolved to adapt incredibly well to their environment. Accordingly, these species should be kept in similar conditions. The leading species here is the genus Cataglyphis.
A myrmecologist has taken spectacular pictures and presented them on YouTube. I don't want to withhold this from you. I don't give you much hope: this species is very rarely available in stores. Even rarer in good quality. However, there is a small selection of species from the genus Cataglyphis.
OriginThe origin of ants is thought to be 140 million years ago. They evolved from wasps.You can take a closer look at their origins at this link.According to current findings, the oldest ants found in amber originated around 100 million years ago.
Ecological significance
The ecological significance is only outlined - for further technical information on the subject, please refer to the Ant Wiki. A good article with technical literature can be found here.In the narrower sense, ants are the so-called "police of the forest". This metaphor can be applied to any conceivable area of the world.In addition to a high level of carrion utilization, pests such as larvae are killed and utilized in large numbers.
will be continued
