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Related Concept Videos

The Evidence for Evolution02:55

The Evidence for Evolution

Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.The collection of fossils within sedimentary rocks give a record of common ancestry and often depicts the history of evolution.
Evolution of New Traits in Microbes01:24

Evolution of New Traits in Microbes

Microorganisms evolve rapidly due to their large population sizes and short generation times, often exhibiting measurable changes within days under laboratory conditions. Natural selection acts on standing genetic variation, enabling the retention and amplification of beneficial traits that confer fitness advantages in changing environments.Adaptive Pigment Regulation in RhodobacterIn Rhodobacter, a genus of purple non-sulfur bacteria, light-harvesting pigments such as bacteriochlorophyll and...
Speciation Rates01:07

Speciation Rates

Speciation can proceed at markedly different rates, and evolutionary biologists commonly describe these differences through the models of gradualism and punctuated equilibrium. Both patterns explain how new species arise, but they differ in the tempo and continuity of evolutionary change. In both cases, evolutionary change arises from heritable variation within populations, with natural selection often shaping traits that improve survival and reproduction under specific environmental conditions.
Evolutionary Processes in Microbes01:26

Evolutionary Processes in Microbes

Microbial evolution occurs rapidly due to short generation times and a variety of genetic processes, including horizontal gene transfer, mutation, recombination, and genetic drift. These mechanisms collectively enable microbes to adapt swiftly to changing environments.Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) allows genes to move between different species and occurs through three main mechanisms: conjugation, transformation, and transduction. Conjugation involves direct cell-to-cell contact for DNA...
What is Evolutionary History?02:35

What is Evolutionary History?

Scientists record evolutionary history by analyzing fossil, morphological, and genetic data. The fossil record documents the history of life on Earth and provides evidence for evolution. However, both fossil and living organisms offer evidence that outlines Earth’s evolutionary history.Phylogenetic trees illustrate the evolutionary relationships among these organisms. Scientists infer organisms’ common ancestry by evaluating shared morphological and genetic characteristics. Together, the fossil...
Genetics of Speciation02:16

Genetics of Speciation

Speciation is the evolutionary process resulting in the formation of new, distinct species—groups of reproductively isolated populations.The genetics of speciation involves the different traits or isolating mechanisms preventing gene exchange, leading to reproductive isolation. Reproductive isolation can be due to reproductive barriers that have effects either before or after the formation of a zygote. Pre-zygotic mechanisms prevent fertilization from occurring, and post-zygotic mechanisms...

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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Microbiota of Attine Ants' Gardens: Visualizing a Microbial Landscape by Scanning Electron Microscopy
07:00

Microbiota of Attine Ants' Gardens: Visualizing a Microbial Landscape by Scanning Electron Microscopy

Published on: October 4, 2024

The macroevolutionary dynamics of ant diversification.

Marcio R Pie1, Marcel K Tschá

  • 1Laboratório de Dinâmica Evolutiva e Sistemas Complexos, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, C.P. 19020, 81531-990 Curitiba, PR, Brazil. pie@ufpr.br

Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|July 22, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Ant diversification rates are constant, not accelerated by flowering plants. Diversification capacity appears to be an evolved trait, with related ant genera showing similar diversity levels.

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Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
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Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations

Published on: February 3, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Macroevolutionary biology
  • Entomology
  • Phylogenetics

Background:

  • Invertebrate diversification patterns are understudied, particularly for ants despite their ecological significance.
  • Ant phylogenetics has advanced, enabling rigorous macroevolutionary analyses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To re-evaluate ant diversification tempo and mode.
  • To investigate rate heterogeneity and phylogenetic signals in ant diversification.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of ant phylogenetic data to assess diversification rates.
  • Comparison of genus age and diversity across ant lineages.
  • Statistical testing for phylogenetic signal in diversification.

Main Results:

  • Ant diversification shows a constant lineage growth rate, refuting an angiosperm-driven acceleration.
  • Significant rate heterogeneity exists among ant lineages.
  • No correlation between genus age and diversity was found.
  • A significant phylogenetic signal in diversification was detected.

Conclusions:

  • The perceived increase in ant diversification during angiosperm radiation is artifactual.
  • Diversification rates in ants are heterogeneous and not solely dependent on time.
  • The capacity for diversification may be an evolved trait within the Formicidae family.