Ants as indicators of ecosystem health

Ants serve as important indicators of ecosystem health because their presence, diversity, and behavior reflect the condition of their environment. Healthy ecosystems support a variety of ant species, while a decline in ant populations can signal problems such as habitat destruction, pollution, or climate change. Ants contribute to soil aeration, seed dispersal, and nutrient cycling, making them vital for ecological balance. Monitoring ant communities helps scientists assess environmental health and predict changes, thus providing valuable insights into the overall well-being of ecosystems.