A new study by University of Liverpool has provided new insight into the impact of climate change on ant populations.
Ants are one of the most dominant insects in the world. They are hugely abundant, both in terms of sheer numbers and biomass, and can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They play a significant role in ecological networks and processes, yet their ability to respond to changes to the climate is largely unknown.
Published in the journal Global Change Biology, researchers reviewed the published academic literature and studies relating mainly to ants and their responses to changes in temperature.
Ants are social insects that form complex and highly organised colonies which can be small or large. Their lifecycle is built on the work of sterile worker ants who support a small number of reproductive individuals.
Read more at University of Liverpool
Image: Ants alates (Credit: Professor Kate Parr)