Ants began farming fungi 66 million years ago, study finds

A new study reveals that ants began farming fungi 66 million years ago, shortly after the asteroid impact that ended the dinosaurs. This research, led by Ted Schultz, shows how ants adapted to thrive in a changing environment. The study indicates that ants started collecting organic debris to cultivate fungi, which became a reliable food source. Over time, they domesticated certain fungi, creating a mutual dependency that allowed both to survive in new habitats. Currently, there are 247 species of fungus-farming ants in the Americas, all descended from those early farmers. The research highlights the complexity of ant agriculture, which has persisted through mass extinctions and climate changes.