Jumping genes may have helped ants diversify after dinosaur extinction

A new study points to ‘jumping genes,’ or mobile pieces of DNA, may have been instrumental in the evolution and diversification of ants, including building their complex chemical communication systems, after the asteroid impact that led to the extinction of dinosaurs 66 million years ago. The findings, published in the journal Science Advances, were reported by ScienceDaily on October 27, 2026.

The research, led by Dr. Lukas Schrader of the Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity at the University of Münster in Germany, suggests a possible genetic connection between the environmental changes caused by the asteroid impact and the subsequent expansion of major ant groups. Ants are currently among the most widespread and successful social insects, with over 15,000 known species globally.

Role of Jumping Genes in Ant Diversification

The study examined transposable elements, also known as jumping genes, to understand the extensive diversity observed in ants. These DNA sequences have the ability to move to different locations within a genome and create additional copies of themselves. While traditionally viewed as genomic parasites, scientists are increasingly recognizing their potential contribution to evolutionary change by altering DNA and influencing gene activity.

Researchers found that ant lineages with a greater number of jumping genes tended to exhibit higher species diversity. Also, bursts of transposable element activity were observed in several major ant lineages during the early Paleogene period, which commenced around 66 million years ago. These periods of heightened activity preceded the expansion of these ant groups into the diverse lineages seen today. Dr. Lukas Schrader stated, “The asteroid impact had dramatic consequences for the environment. We have now found the genomic mechanism that connects these ecological upheavals to the subsequent rapid diversification of the ants: transposable elements.”

Impact on Ant Communication Systems

A significant aspect of the study’s findings concerns the potential role of jumping genes in the evolution of ant communication. Ants rely heavily on chemical signals for various essential functions, including navigation, identifying colony members, locating food sources, and coordinating collective activities. Their capacity to detect these signals is supported by specialized proteins known as odorant receptors.

The research identified a connection between transposable elements and the expansion of gene families handling these odorant receptors. This hints at jumping genes may have contributed to the rise of more sophisticated chemical sensing abilities in ants, potentially providing them with an evolutionary advantage within their social and ecological environments. Similar patterns of increased jumping gene activity have been reported in other animal groups, such as primates and bats.

Tracing Ant Evolutionary History

To conduct the study, the international research team compared the genomes of 163 ant species. These species represented 12 of the 16 ant subfamilies that currently survive. Through these genetic comparisons, the researchers reconstructed changes in transposable element activity over an approximate period of 100 million years.

The analysis revealed a notable association between historical periods of increased jumping gene activity and the subsequent diversification of several ant lineages. This research contributes to the scientific understanding of how genetic variation and significant environmental upheavals can shape biodiversity over millions of years, challenging previous perceptions of these DNA sequences as mere genomic passengers.

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

View all posts →