Study reveals leaf-cutter ants have farmed fungi for 66 million years since dinosaur extinction

A new study reveals that leaf-cutter ants have been farming fungi for 66 million years, coinciding with the asteroid impact that led to the extinction of dinosaurs. This relationship has evolved, benefiting both ants and fungi. Researchers analyzed DNA from 475 fungi species and 276 ant species to trace their evolutionary history. They found that the ancestors of modern fungi began evolving right after the asteroid impact, leading to a mutualistic relationship with ants. This long-standing agricultural practice by ants may offer insights for human farming. Ants use bacteria to protect their fungal crops, potentially providing lessons for improving agricultural methods in humans.