# The asteroid that killed the dinosaurs may have helped ants conquer the world

- Source: Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily
- Published: 2026-10-28T01:40:35+00:00
- Category: Science
- Original: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261026225608.htm
- Canonical: https://groundlevelnews.com/story/the-asteroid-that-killed-the-dinosaurs-may-have-helped-ants-conquer-th-35c53b/

The asteroid that killed the dinosaurs may have set the stage for ants to conquer the planet, with a surprising boost from “jumping genes” hidden in their DNA. Scientists discovered that bursts of activity from these mobile genetic elements coincided with the rise of major ant groups and may have helped sharpen their extraordinary ability to communicate through smell.

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