Insects older than ants (AI Slop)

640kb: Based on a quick (conventional) search, I don't have a lot of confidence in the actual numbers. I'll keep this "AI Said..." article listed because there's ongoing debate and the numbers presented appear to be somewhat accepted though higher than they should be.

I do not like the fact that AI presented this all as factual when there is ongoing debate that surfaces very easily. I'm keeping this listed (for now) as an example of AI Slop.

Yes, there are several insect species today that have existed for longer than ants - some even predate the Cretaceous period when ants first appeared.

Here are a few examples of insects that have survived for far longer than ants:

1. **Dragonflies (Order: Odonata)**

  • First appeared: ~300 million years ago (Carboniferous period)
  • Fossil evidence: Giant dragonfly-like insects (e.g., Meganeura) with wingspans up to 70 cm existed in the Carboniferous.
  • Today: Modern dragonflies are still very similar in form and function to their ancient ancestors.
  • Longevity: Over 300 million years of existence - much older than ants.

2. **Mayflies (Order: Ephemeroptera)**

  • First appeared: ~300 million years ago (Carboniferous)
  • Fossil record: Some of the oldest winged insects.
  • Today: Still exist with a life cycle that's largely unchanged.
  • Longevity: ~300 million years - older than ants.

3. **Silverfish (Order: Zygentoma)**

  • First appeared: ~400 million years ago (Devonian or Silurian period)
  • Fossil evidence: Early wingless insects with a body plan that has changed little.
  • Today: Still found in homes and forests, resembling ancient forms.
  • Longevity: ~400 million years - significantly older than ants.

4. **Cockroaches (Order: Blattodea)**

  • First appeared: ~360 million years ago (Carboniferous)
  • Fossil record: Some of the oldest insects on Earth.
  • Today: Still look very similar to their ancient relatives.
  • Longevity: ~360 million years - older than ants.

Summary:

While ants are ancient (~100 million years), dragonflies, mayflies, silverfish, and cockroaches have been around for hundreds of millions of years - some for over 300-400 million years - making them older than ants by a wide margin.

These insects are often called "living fossils" because they've changed so little over time.

So yes - many insects today are far older than ants.

640kb notes: AI told me a few times during the prompts that ants have been around ~100 million years. This says 140-168 million years↗ but... many other sources say ~110 million (including wikipedia).

Cockroaches, according to wikipedia have been around (in a slightly different form) for 320 million years but... entomologytoday.org↗ is saying it's more like 125-140 million years.

I did not look up the others...

640kb.neocities.org