Ants have been growing mushrooms for an incredible 66 million years, a practice that began shortly after the asteroid impact that killed the dinosaurs. This catastrophic event created conditions suitable for the rapid growth of fungi, which thrived on the abundant dead plant material. As these fungi flourished, innovative species of ants began to cultivate them, leading to an intricate evolutionary partnership that continued through the ages. Recent research has provided new insights into how this relationship has developed and evolved over time.

Smithsonian research results

In a study published on October 3, 2024 in the journal Science, a team of scientists from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, led by entomologist Dr. Ted Schultz, analyzed the genetic data of hundreds of species of ants and fungi. This comprehensive study allowed the researchers to reconstruct an evolutionary timeline that identifies when ants first began growing mushrooms. They examined a data set that includes 475 species of fungi, 288 of which are cultivated by ants, in addition to 276 species of ants, of which 208 are engaged in mushroom cultivation. This extensive collection of data is the largest ever collected for mushroom-growing ants.

Evolution of ant farming techniques

The findings show that ants and fungi have been associated with each other for 66 million years, which coincides with the period of the asteroid impact at the end of the Cretaceous era. Although the impact had devastating consequences for many organisms, it was beneficial for fungi, which flourished in the rotting leaves. This interaction laid the foundation for a lasting agricultural relationship.

The research also revealed that it took ants nearly 40 million years to develop advanced farming techniques. About 27 million years ago, a cooler climate led ants to cultivate fungi in drier habitats, isolating them from their wild ancestors. This significant change in the environment led to the ants cultivating these fungi at home, much like humans domesticated crops.

Lessons from ant farming

Through this research, the long-term agricultural success of ants highlights an evolutionary journey that continues to offer valuable lessons about adaptability and survival.