Ant Evolutionary Expansion Post-Dinosaur Extinction Linked to 'Jumping Genes'
Phys.org Biology ·
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1 min read ·
Medical & Life Sciences
Read research and analysis on Ant Evolutionary Expansion Post-Dinosaur Extinction Linked to 'Jumping Genes' published by ICANEWS, a global research journal for emerging researchers.
Key Takeaways
Ant species underwent a significant expansion about 66 million years ago, following the asteroid-induced dinosaur extinction.
Ants rose to ecological dominance during this post-extinction period.
Ants currently constitute the largest family of social insects, with over 15,000 species globally.
Overview
The extinction event approximately 66 million years ago, triggered by an asteroid impact, created conditions that facilitated a substantial expansion of various new animal species. During this specific geological period, ants experienced a significant ecological ascendancy. They are now recognized as the largest family within the social insect classification, encompassing more than 15,000 species worldwide.