In the vast tapestry of Earth’s biodiversity, one of the most remarkable and populous creatures is the ant. Recent scientific estimates suggest that there are approximately 20 quadrillion ants inhabiting the planet. This staggering figure emerged from a meticulous synthesis of data from nearly 500 studies on insect diversity across different continents, biomes, and habitats.
Quadrillions of Ants
This latest research has doubled the rough estimation made in 1994, which was the first scientific attempt to gauge the global ant population. The pioneering study relied on extrapolating data from insects in southeastern England to infer the numbers worldwide. Since then, scientists’ understanding of ant numbers has evolved significantly.
To put the weight of all these ants into perspective, it is estimated that their total biomass amounts to a colossal 12 megatons of dry carbon. Surprisingly, this accounts for only 20 percent of the total biomass of humanity. However, if ants were to join forces with other land insects, they would effortlessly outweigh the combined weight of all humans. A study conducted in 2023 revealed that the total fresh weight of land insects and arthropods (excluding aquatic species) was approximately 1 billion tonnes. In comparison, humans weigh about 400 million tonnes, while livestock amounts to around 600 million tonnes.
Over 30,000 Species of Ants
Remarkably, the world of ants encompasses over 15,700 named species and subspecies. However, this number is likely an underestimate, with scientists believing the true species count could be twice as high. Ants can be found on every continent except Antarctica, with the exception of Iceland, Greenland, certain regions of eastern Polynesia, and a handful of the most remote islands.
Nearly two-thirds of ant species are concentrated in two primary ecosystems: tropical forests and savannahs. Unfortunately, due to limited data from parts of Asia and Africa, there are significant gaps in the knowledge regarding ant diversity. Efforts to expand research in these regions will undoubtedly shed light on new and intriguing ant species yet to be discovered.
The Evolution of Ants
The evolutionary history of ants stretches back between 140 and 168 million years ago, within the Jurassic period. During this time, Earth’s climate was warm and moist, supporting a flourishing abundance of life, including dinosaurs. The emergence of flowering plants during this period provided a crucial source of food for small insects, enabling them to thrive and diversify. Ants, in their symbiotic relationship with flowering plants, became an integral part of the natural world.
The world of ants, with its mind-boggling numbers, astounding biomass, and diverse species, serves as a testament to the intricate wonders of nature.