Jakarta –
Ant small in size and live in groups. If a little sugar falls, a group of ants will immediately approach.
Now, try playing a guessing game. How many ants are there in the world This? A million? Two million? That’s more, that’s all for now.
According to the latest scientific estimates, the number of ants on Earth is… 20 quadrillion! For information, 1 quadrillion is equivalent to 1,000 trillion. That means, 20 quadrillion is the same as 20,000 trillion.
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Launch IFLSciencethe 20 quadrillion figure comes from a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2022. They reached this conclusion by synthesizing data from nearly 500 studies of insect diversity spanning all continents, major biomes, and habitats.
In fact, the numbers from that study were double the rough calculations published in 1994. It was the first scientific attempt to estimate the number of ants.
Next question, how much weight is produced if all the ants are combined?
Their total biomass is estimated at 12 megatons. This load is still 20% of the biomass of all humans on Earth.
Moving on to the third question, When did ants first appear?
Ants appeared between 140 and 168 million years ago, according to a 2006 study. This occurred in the Jurassic period (199.6 million to 145.5 million years ago), which was characterized by a warm and fertile wet climate. This condition gave rise to a lot of life, including dinosaurs.
It is believed that ants evolved during this time because it was also the period when flowering plants appeared. This provides small insects with plenty of food that allows them to grow and reproduce.
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20 quadrillion ants
The Astonishing Ant Population: A Quadrillion and Counting
As I delved into the fascinating world of entomology, I stumbled upon a staggering statistic that left me speechless. Recent scientific estimates suggest that the number of ants on Earth is a mind-boggling 20 quadrillion. Yes, you read that right – 20 quadrillion! To put this number into perspective, consider that 1 quadrillion is equivalent to 1,000 trillion. This means that the total ant population is a staggering 20,000,000,000,000,000 individual ants.
This astonishing figure is not just a rough estimate; it’s based on rigorous scientific research that aimed to quantify the global ant population. As reported by prominent news outlets, including NPR [[1]], The Washington Post [[2]], and The New York Times [[3]], this estimate is the result of an in-depth study that took into account various factors, including ant species, habitats, and distribution.
So, what does this monumental number mean for us? Well, for starters, it’s fascinating to think that for every human on Earth, there are approximately 2.5 million ants. This ratio puts the sheer scale of ant populations into perspective. It’s no wonder that ants are often seen as a symbol of industriousness, as they work together in colonies to achieve incredible feats.
The implications of this discovery are far-reaching and varied. From an ecological perspective, ants play a vital role in ecosystems, serving as both predators and prey. Understanding their population dynamics can help us better appreciate the intricate web of life on our planet. Additionally, studying ants can provide valuable insights into social behavior, communication, and even robotics.
While the staggering number of ants on Earth might seem overwhelming, it’s a testament to the incredible diversity and resilience of life on our planet. As a blog writer, I’m excited to share this fascinating discovery with my readers and explore the many fascinating aspects of the natural world.
the estimated 20 quadrillion ants on Earth serve as a reminder of the awe-inspiring complexity and beauty of our world. By embracing the wonders of the natural world, we can deepen our understanding of the intricate relationships between species and ecosystems, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious coexistence with the environment.