The impact of climate change on ant populations has been provided new insight by a study.
One of the most dominant insects in the world are ants. They are abundant and can be found on all of the planet. Their ability to respond to changes to the climate is largely unknown because they play a significant role in ecological networks and processes.
Researchers reviewed the published academic literature and studies relating to ants and their responses to temperature changes.
A colony of ants can be small or large. Their lifecycle is built on the work of sterile worker ants.
The social structure of ant populations will allow them to adapt to or tolerate climate change in ways that solitary organisms cannot.
It was found that some ants can benefit from being elevated in temperature, while others can benefit from being underground, where they can move their brood to lower temperatures.
The impact of climate change on ant populations is not well understood. The study sheds new light on this issue. Changes to the abundance of ants and the loss of some species will have cascading consequences through the system because ants are the most dominant insect.
Our research shows the species and regions at risk from climate change but also those that can adapt. Further research is needed to better understand how ants respond to altered precipitation regimes and how this affects the wider environment.
More information: Catherine L. Parr et al, The response of ants to climate change, Global Change Biology (2022). DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16140 Journal information: Global Change Biology Citation: Social nature of ants provides protection from climate change (2022, March 14) retrieved 14 March 2022 from https://phys.org/news/2022-03-social-nature-ants-climate.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.
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