Fill niches usually occupied by mammals. 5. Scientists estimate that there are more than 20,000 species of
ants. The species range in size from 1 mm long to 38 mm long and
live in most environments. The diets of ants range from flowers
and seeds to fluids from their own larvae. Ants have been able to
successfully inhabit so many different environments because their
populations have been able to-

occupy habitats that have no other life-forms.

adapt to a variety of habitats and food sources.

hybridize with other species of insects.