Ant EcologyLori Lach, Catherine Parr, Kirsti Abbott Comprising a substantial part of living biomass on earth, ants are integral to the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. More than 12,000 species have been described to date, and it is estimated that perhaps as many still await classification. Ant Ecology explores key ecological issues and new developments in myrmecology across a range of scales. The book begins with a global perspective on species diversity in time and space and explores interactions at the community level before describing the population ecology of these social insects. The final section covers the recent ecological phenomenon of invasive ants: how they move across the globe, invade, affect ecosystems, and are managed by humans. Each chapter links ant ecology to broader ecological principles, provides a succinct summary, and discusses future research directions. Practical aspects of myrmecology, applications of ant ecology, debates, and novel discoveries are highlighted in text boxes throughout the volume. The book concludes with a synthesis of the current state of the field and a look at exciting future research directions. The extensive reference list and full glossary are invaluable for researchers, and those new to the field. |
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ability abundance activity aggression ant species areas Argentine assemblages associated Australia baits become behaviour benefit Biological Chapter chemical climate collected colony communities competition conservation considered continued direct dispersal distribution disturbance diversity dominant Ecology effects elevation environment et al evolution example factors Figure fire foraging forest Formicidae function genera genetic genus global gradients habitat higher humile Hymenoptera impacts important increase individuals influence insects interactions introduced invaded invasive ants invicta islands Journal known limited mating mechanisms mutualisms Myrmicinae native natural nest occur organisms parasites particular patterns plant populations predators processes production queens range rates recent recognition reduced regions relative reproductive result richness role seed selection social soil sources species strategies structure studies success suggests taxa temperature tion trees tropical understanding variation Wilson workers