Ant Population Could Be Eliminated With Rising Temperature: Report

Since ants are exothermic, their body temperature fluctuates depending on their surroundings.

Climate change and the rise in temperature of planet Earth are posing problems for ants. According to a study reported by Independence. The study was conducted at North Carolina State University and demonstrates that “ants remain in suboptimal microhabitats” even when suboptimal habitats are present.

Since ants are exothermic, their body temperature fluctuates depending on their surroundings. Despite the fact that these animals are exposed to a wide variety of temperatures on a daily basis, the majority of endothermic animals prefer habitats slightly cooler than the so-called optimal operating temperatures, where they can best perform all the functions of life. , base on the research.

The Independent, citing research, claims that if an ectotherm is exposed to temperatures above its optimal point, it will die. However, nothing is known about how or even whether thermogenic insects change their behavior to avoid warmer but still safe temperature ranges, which is increasingly the case. likely due to global climate change.

Researchers at North Carolina State University studied five different species of ants to learn how they respond to warmer temperatures below lethal levels. Ants’ temperatures vary depending on their color and size, and the researchers used a special ant thermometer to detect the same. In addition, the scientists collected several ants for the lab and placed them in a rectangular chamber with a temperature gradient adjusted to determine the ideal temperature of each species.

“The researchers found that the ants in the lab had distinct temperature preferences, but the ants in the field were active only in their preferred climate. they are a little more frequent than expected to happen by chance,” the Independent said.

Elsa Youngsteadt, professor of applied ecology at the university and co-author of the study told the Independent, “Warmer times and places make ant colonies warmer, and they don’t regulate their activity. themselves to fit the preferred condition.” She also added that “ant’s metabolic rates all increase as the climate changes.”