The Impact of Insects on Biodiversity
A recent study reveals the significant role that ants and termites have played in shaping biodiversity, emphasizing that diets based on these social insects have evolved multiple times throughout history. Lead researcher Barden noted, “This work provides an unprecedented roadmap, highlighting the influential role that ants and termites have exerted over the last 50 million years, transforming environments and impacting numerous species.”
Despite these findings, the researchers assert that our understanding of insects’ historical impact on life on Earth remains incomplete. Numerous evolutionary lineages have been significantly altered by the immense biomass of these organisms. Current estimates suggest that the combined biomass of ants and termites surpasses that of all wild mammals, underscoring their evolutionary significance.
However, there is a concern regarding the vulnerability of specific species. Of the 12 known origins of myrmecophagy, eight are represented solely by a single species, which raises questions about their survival if insect food sources dwindle. According to Barden, “Specializing in ants and termites can constrain a species’ options. Yet, as long as social insects continue to dominate the global biomass, these mammal species might maintain a competitive advantage, particularly as climate change appears to favor large colonies, such as those of fire ants and other invasive species.”
The research team plans to delve deeper into the ways ants, termites, and similar social insects have influenced the course of life over millions of years. Rather than relying on controlled laboratory settings, they intend to use the natural environment as a comprehensive evolutionary record. Vida, another member of the research team, commented, “Gathering precise dietary information on lesser-known mammals can be challenging, but every data point enhances our understanding of how these unique diets developed.”
Evolution, 2025. DOI: 10.1093/evolut/qpaf121 (About DOIs)
Rupendra Brahambhatt is an experienced journalist and filmmaker, specializing in science and culture news. Over the past five years, he has collaborated with various innovative news agencies, magazines, and media outlets globally.
