Ancient ant species discovered in Dominican amber reveals evolutionary secrets

In the Dominican Republic, a rare fossil of a tiny ant has been captured in 16 million-year-old amber, leading to significant discoveries about ancient insect species. The newly identified species, Basiceros enana, is a type of 'dirt ant' known for its exceptional camouflage abilities, which allow it to blend seamlessly into its environment by coating itself in soil particles. This specimen, measuring just 5.13 mm, is notably smaller than contemporary dirt ants, suggesting that these creatures underwent significant evolutionary changes over millions of years. The research was published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Lead researcher Gianpiero Fiorentino, a Ph.D. candidate from the Barden Lab at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, expressed the excitement surrounding the discovery, comparing the finding of this specimen to uncovering a diamond. He explained that the evolutionary history of these ants has been fundamentally altered by their size; previously held theories suggested that these insects began as larger creatures that shrank over time, but this discovery indicates that they actually increased in size over 20 million years. This finding highlights the complexity of insect evolution and the role of environmental changes in shaping species development. This ancient ant fossil not only sheds light on the evolution of Basiceros species but also provides a window into the broader patterns of extinction that have occurred in the Caribbean region. Dr. Phil Barden, an associate professor involved in the research, noted that the changes in climate and habitat likely contributed to the disappearance of various ant species from this area. The fossil serves as a piece of a larger puzzle in understanding why some groups of organisms have survived for millions of years while others have gone extinct. Understanding the patterns of extinction is crucial in the light of current environmental crises. Fiorentino pointed out that over a third of ant species have vanished in what is now the Dominican Republic since the amber was formed, drawing attention to the vital need for conservation efforts. The researchers hope that knowledge gained from this ancient species can help inform modern strategies to mitigate ongoing human-driven extinctions and protect biodiversity, underscoring the importance of studying historical extinctions to ensure the survival of current species.