Ants are eusocial insects of the family Formicidae and, along with the related wasps and bees, belong to the order Hymenoptera. Ants evolved from vespoid wasp ancestors in the Cretaceous period. More than 13,800 of an estimated total of 22,000 species have been classified. They are easily identified by their geniculate (elbowed) antennae and the distinctive node-like structure that forms their slender waists.
Ants form colonies that range in size from a few dozen individuals often living in small natural cavities to highly organised colonies that may occupy large territories with sizeable nest that consist of millions of individuals or into the hundreds of millions in super colonies. Typical colonies consist of various castes of sterile, wingless females, most of which are workers (ergates), as well as soldiers (dinergates) and other specialised groups. Nearly all ant colonies also have some fertile males called "drones" and one or more fertile females called "queens" (gynes). The colonies are described as superorganisms because the ants appear to operate as a unified entity, collectively working together to support the colony.
Ants have colonised almost every landmass on Earth. The only places lacking indigenous ants are Antarctica and a few remote or inhospitable islands. Ants thrive in moist tropical ecosystems and may exceed the combined biomass of wild birds and mammals. Their success in so many environments has been attributed to their social organisation and their ability to modify habitats, tap resources, and defend themselves. Their long co-evolution with other species has led to mimetic, commensal, parasitic, and mutualistic relationships.
Ant societies have division of labour, communication between individuals, and an ability to solve complex problems. These parallels with human societies have long been an inspiration and subject of study. Many human cultures make use of ants in cuisine, medication, and rites. Some species are valued in their role as biological pest control agents. Their ability to exploit resources may bring ants into conflict with humans, however, as they can damage crops and invade buildings. Some species, such as the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) of South America, are regarded as invasive species in other parts of the world, establishing themselves in areas where they have been introduced accidentally.
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Non-native ants are breaking down biogeographic boundaries and homogenizing community assemblages
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How 16th Century Trade Made Fire Ants an Early Global Invader
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I fucking hate public transit in my city. Instead of having bus routes that go where people need to be, they have ride-sharing, which is like Uber except you share the car with other passengers they'll pick up and drop off as you go. There is no background check or interview process, it's just random ass people so you're hopping in the car with a bunch of complete strangers. I've got some really shitty drivers, my roommate almost got kidnapped by one of the drivers once.
First off, fuck the timing. You can request rides for the moment, but this almost never works. If it's too busy, it won't even let you schedule a ride. And even if it does, there is no guarantee on the time you get picked up or dropped off. I waited an entire hour for a ride I scheduled days in advance.
And now everybody in this car is annoying as fuck. The driver stopped to get gas but didn't pull out his key so it was just beeping the whole time. Even went inside to grab a drink (which fine, I want people to stay hydrated) but Jesus Christ either take the key out or turn the car on. The passenger next to me is sleeping, but she keeps snoring herself awake and it's annoying as fuck. If we were on a bus, this wouldn't bother me, but this bitch is 3 feet away.
Fuckers will do anything but give us busses.
Is there a serial killer ride-share movie? If not - there should be.
Would be an interesting idea for a movie for sure, I expect Blum house to make a shitty one in 5 years
Or Shudder