The asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago may have also set the stage for ants to conquer the planet, with scientists finding a surprising boost from so-called jumping genes hidden in ant DNA

{}Since the dinosaurs vanished, ants have flourished, with more than 15,000 species recognized globally. New research, spearheaded by Dr. Lukas Schrader, highlights the role of jumping genes in their evolution and resilience. Significant surges of these genes occurred during the early Paleogene period, enhancing ants' olfactory receptors and social communication skills, thus providing a genetic edge for survival in diverse environments.