Ant biodiversity and its relationship to ecosystem functioning: a review

Ant biodiversity and its relationship to ecosystem functioning: a review

Received 6 January 1998; accepted 27 April 1998 | PATRICIA J. FOLGARAIT
This review by Patricia J. Folgarait, published in 1998, highlights the significant role of ants in ecosystems, emphasizing their biodiversity and their impact as ecosystem engineers. Ants are found in a wide range of habitats, from the Arctic Circle to the Equator, with the highest diversity in tropical and continental forests. Despite their importance, ants are often overlooked in ecological and conservation literature. The review discusses how human activities such as land use change, pollution, invasions, and climate change affect ant biodiversity. It also explores the ways ants influence soil processes and function, particularly through their role as ecosystem engineers. The paper identifies gaps in current knowledge about ant-soil interactions and suggests areas for further research to better understand the role of ants in soil functioning.This review by Patricia J. Folgarait, published in 1998, highlights the significant role of ants in ecosystems, emphasizing their biodiversity and their impact as ecosystem engineers. Ants are found in a wide range of habitats, from the Arctic Circle to the Equator, with the highest diversity in tropical and continental forests. Despite their importance, ants are often overlooked in ecological and conservation literature. The review discusses how human activities such as land use change, pollution, invasions, and climate change affect ant biodiversity. It also explores the ways ants influence soil processes and function, particularly through their role as ecosystem engineers. The paper identifies gaps in current knowledge about ant-soil interactions and suggests areas for further research to better understand the role of ants in soil functioning.
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