Published in Science · View the paper (DOI)
A new study reveals that ant agriculture and fungus farming originated 66 million years ago, with colonies of ants beginning to cultivate fungi in the aftermath of the asteroid impact. This partnership has evolved over time, with some fungal crops becoming completely reliant on ants 27 million years ago.
Coverage from 2 institutions
- Ant agriculture began 66 million years ago in the aftermath of the asteroid that doomed the dinosaurs Smithsonian · Oct 3, 2024 · first to report
- Asteroid that doomed dinosaurs created ant agriculture, LSU researchers say Louisiana State University · Oct 4, 2024