Insects, particularly ants, pioneered agriculture millions of years before humans. Various ant species cultivate fungi, with leafcutter ants being the most sophisticated, cutting foliage to feed their fungi. Genetic studies reveal highly specific symbiotic relationships between ants and single fungus strains, with rapidly evolving genes facilitating this cooperation. A large international study analyzed DNA from 475 fungi and 276 ant species, tracing their evolutionary relationships. The study suggests ant-fungus cooperation began post-dinosaur extinction, when fungi thrived. This research provides insights into the evolution of ant agriculture.

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