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How many ants are on Earth?
animalsnumbers
Quick Answer
A 2022 study estimated there are about 20 quadrillion ants on Earth — roughly 2.5 million for every person.
The Full Story
Researchers analysed nearly 500 studies of ant populations around the world to reach the estimate of about 20 quadrillion (20,000,000,000,000,000) ants. Their combined dry biomass is estimated at around 12 million tonnes of carbon, more than all wild birds and mammals combined. Ants are especially abundant in tropical forests and savannahs. More than 15,000 ant species have been described. Ants play key roles in ecosystems by aerating soil, spreading seeds and controlling other insects.
Key Facts
1.The 2022 study was published in PNAS.
2.There are more than 15,000 known ant species.
3.Ant biomass exceeds that of all wild birds and mammals combined.
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"20 quadrillion ants — the tiny rulers of the planet"