ABC’s Bird Library

Rock Wren

“Pebbled Pathways”

Rock Wren

Peace & Justice History for 10/10:

https://www.peacebuttons.info/E-News/peacehistoryoctober.htm#october10

In Case Readers Are Checking In Here re FL Weather

NWS’s 10 PM Update:

Hurricane Milton Tropical Cyclone Update
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL       AL142024
1000 PM EDT Wed Oct 09 2024

...FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY IN EFFECT FOR THE TAMPA BAY AREA AS 
MILTON CONTINUES MOVING INLAND...
...1000 PM EDT POSITION UPDATE...

A sustained wind of 69 mph (111 km/h) and a gust of 102 mph (165 
km/h) was recently reported at the Sarasota-Bradenton International 
Airport. A sustained wind of 86 mph (139 km/h) and a gust of 105 mph 
(169 km/h) was recently reported at a WeatherFlow station at Egmont 
Channel. A sustained wind of 74 mph (119 km/h) and a gust of 98 mph 
(157 km/h) was recently reported at a NOS station at Middle Tampa 
Bay. A gust of 91 mph (146 km/h) was recently reported at a Citizen 
Weather Observer Program station in Bartow.

A Flash Flood Emergency is in effect for the Tampa Bay area, 
including the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. 
Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg has received 16.61 inches 
of rain so far today.

The next update will be the full advisory at 1100 PM EDT (0300 
UTC).

SUMMARY OF 1000 PM EDT...0200 UTC...INFORMATION
-----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...27.5N 82.3W
ABOUT 20 MI...30 KM NE OF SARASOTA FLORIDA
ABOUT 90 MI...145 KM SW OF ORLANDO FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...110 MPH...175 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...ENE OR 60 DEGREES AT 16 MPH...26 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...958 MB...28.29 INCHES

Here’s the Weather Service’s most recent full advisory re Southern FL:


BULLETIN
Hurricane Milton Intermediate Advisory Number 19A
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL       AL142024
800 PM EDT Wed Oct 09 2024

...MILTON CLOSE TO MAKING LANDFALL ALONG THE COAST OF WEST-CENTRAL 
FLORIDA...
...LIFE-THREATENING STORM SURGE, DAMAGING WINDS, AND FLOODING RAINS
OCCURRING ACROSS PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHWESTERN FLORIDA...


SUMMARY OF 800 PM EDT...0000 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...27.2N 82.8W
ABOUT 20 MI...30 KM WSW OF SARASOTA FLORIDA
ABOUT 130 MI...205 KM SW OF ORLANDO FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...120 MPH...195 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...ENE OR 60 DEGREES AT 15 MPH...24 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...954 MB...28.17 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

None.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for...
* Florida west coast from Flamingo northward to Yankeetown,
including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay
* Sebastian Inlet Florida to Altamaha Sound Georgia, including the
St. Johns River

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...
* Florida west coast from Bonita Beach northward to Suwannee River,
including Tampa Bay
* Florida east coast from the St. Lucie/Martin County Line northward
to Ponte Vedra Beach

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for...
* Lake Okeechobee
* Florida east coast from the St. Lucie/Martin County Line to the
Palm Beach/Martin County Line

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Florida Keys, including Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay
* Lake Okeechobee
* Florida west coast from Flamingo to south of Bonita Beach
* Florida west coast from north of Suwanee River to Indian Pass
* Florida east coast south of the St. Lucie/Martin County Line to
Flamingo
* North of Ponte Vedra Beach Florida to Edisto Beach South Carolina
* Extreme northwestern Bahamas, including Grand Bahama Island, the
Abacos, and Bimini

A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening 
inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline in 
the indicated locations. For a depiction of areas at risk, please 
see the National Weather Service Storm Surge Watch/Warning Graphic, 
available at hurricanes.gov.  This is a life-threatening situation.  
Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions 
to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for 
other dangerous conditions.  Promptly follow evacuation and other 
instructions from local officials.

A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected
somewhere within the warning area.

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are
expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.

A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible
within the watch area.

For storm information specific to your area in the United
States, including possible inland watches and warnings, please
monitor products issued by your local National Weather Service
forecast office. For storm information specific to your area
outside of the United States, please monitor products issued by
your national meteorological service.


DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
----------------------
At 800 PM EDT (0000 UTC), the center of Hurricane Milton was located
near latitude 27.2 North, longitude 82.8 West.  Milton is moving
toward the east-northeast near 15 mph (24 km/h), and this general 
motion is expected to continue through Thursday, followed by a turn 
toward the east on Friday.  On the forecast track, the center of 
Milton will make landfall just south of the Tampa Bay region 
within the next hour or two, and then move across the central part 
of the Florida peninsula overnight, and emerge off the east coast of 
Florida on Thursday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 120 mph (195 km/h) with higher
gusts.  Milton is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Wind Scale.  Little change in strength is likely 
until landfall, and Milton is expected to remain a hurricane 
while it moves across central Florida through Thursday.  The system 
is forecast to weaken over the western Atlantic and become 
extratropical by Thursday night.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from
the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 255
miles (405 km). A sustained wind of 54 mph (87 km/h) and a gust of 
96 mph (154 km/h) was recently reported at the Sarasota-Bradenton 
International Airport. A C-MAN Station in Venice, Florida recently 
reported a sustained wind of 71 mph (115 km/h) with a gust to 90 
mph (145 km/h).

The minimum central pressure estimated from Hurricane Hunter 
aircraft observations is 954 mb (28.17 inches).


HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
Key Messages for Milton can be found in the Tropical Cyclone
Discussion under AWIPS header MIATCDAT4 and WMO header WTNT44 KNHC
and on the web at hurricanes.gov/text/MIATCDAT4.shtml

STORM SURGE: The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the
tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by
rising waters moving inland from the shoreline.  The water could
reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated
areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide...

Anna Maria Island, FL to Boca Grande, FL...9-13 ft
Anclote River, FL to Anna Maria Island, FL...6-9 ft
Tampa Bay...6-9 ft
Boca Grande, FL to Bonita Beach, FL...8-12 ft
Charlotte Harbor...8-12 ft
Bonita Beach, FL to Chokoloskee, FL...5-8 ft
Chokoloskee, FL to Flamingo, FL...3-5 ft
Sebastian Inlet, FL to Altamaha Sound, GA...3-5 ft
Yankeetown, FL to Anclote River, FL...2-4 ft
Dry Tortugas...2-4 ft
St. Johns River...2-4 ft

The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to
the south of the landfall location, where the surge will be
accompanied by large and dangerous waves.  Surge-related flooding
depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle,
and can vary greatly over short distances.  For information
specific to your area, please see products issued by your local
National Weather Service forecast office.

For a complete depiction of areas at risk of storm surge
inundation, please see the National Weather Service Peak Storm
Surge Graphic, available at
hurricanes.gov/graphics_at4.shtml?peakSurge.

RAINFALL: Rainfall amounts of 6 to 12 inches, with localized totals
up to 18 inches, are expected across central to northern portions of
the Florida Peninsula through Thursday.  This rainfall brings the
risk of catastrophic and life-threatening flash and urban flooding,
along with moderate to major river flooding.

For a complete depiction of forecast rainfall associated with
Hurricane Milton, please see the National Weather Service Storm
Total Rainfall Graphic, available at
hurricanes.gov/graphics_at4.shtml?rainqpf and the Flash Flood Risk
graphic at hurricanes.gov/graphics_at4.shtml?ero.

WIND: Hurricane conditions are occurring within the hurricane 
warning area and will spread east-northeastward across the Florida 
peninsula overnight.  Hurricane conditions are possible in the 
hurricane watch area tonight and on Thursday.  Tropical storm 
conditions are occurring along the west coast of Florida and are 
forecast to spread across the peninsula and reach the east coast 
tonight.  Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin in the 
warning area along the Georgia and South Carolina coast on Thursday.

Tropical storm conditions are expected in portions of the
northwestern Bahamas on Thursday.

TORNADOES: Several tornadoes, possibly including a few strong
tornadoes, are likely this evening and tonight across parts of
central Florida.

SURF:  Swells generated by Milton are expected to continue to affect
much of the Gulf Coast and will increase along the southeastern U.S.
coast during the next day or two.  These swells are likely to cause
life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.  Please consult
products from your local weather office.


NEXT ADVISORY
-------------
Next complete advisory at 1100 PM EDT.

$$
Forecaster Pasch

Space-made next-gen optic fibres touch back down to Earth

October 8, 2024 Imma Perfetto

Next-generation optical fibre manufactured in microgravity aboard the International Space Station has been returned safely to Earth.

Scientists at Adelaide University in South Australia are now comparing the fibres to otherwise identical Earth-made counterparts to confirm whether the space-made product is superior.

It’s thought likely that it is, but the results won’t be known for a couple of months.

The research has already delivered some interesting results: “Seven of the draws went beyond 700 meters, showcasing that it is possible to produce commercial lengths of fibre in space,” says Rob Loughan, CEO of the company that designed the fibre drawing device, Flawless Photonics.

“The longest draw went above 1,141 meters, setting a record for the longest fibre manufactured in space.”

A photograph of a thin glass fibre wound around a drum — ZBLAN glass fibre. Credit: Imma Perfetto

The fibres were made of ZBLAN glass, a substance which has the potential to transmit light 20 times further than traditional silica-based fibre-optic cables.

In an optical fibre, light becomes dimmer and dimmer as it travels along the fibre. Therefore, for example, submarine fibre optics cables require amplifiers about every 100km to boost the light signal to allow it to be transmitted over long distances.

A ZBLAN optical fibre could increase distances between amplifiers, from every 100 km for silica fibres to every 2,000 km.

But this isn’t feasible yet. In practice, ZBLAN fibres perform about 10 times worse than the best silica fibres because the fabrication process introduces defects and impurities, which lower its efficiency at transmitting light.

Professor Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem, and her team at the University of Adelaide’s Australian National Fabrication Facility’s (ANFF) are trying to solve the problem of enhanced impurities and defects in current ZBLAN glass fibres.

A photograpjh of 3 young men and a woman standing in front of a tall tower-like piece of equipment inside of a lab — Dr Yunle Wei, Alson Ng, Professor Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem, and Dr Ka Wu with the team’s 4m draw tower. Credit: Imma Perfetto

“The purity of the glass depends on the purity of the raw material, and it is challenging to make highly pure solid raw materials,” says Ebendorff-Heidepriem. The team is trying to completely remove one of the main reasons the defects form: gravity.

“Gravity here on Earth causes convection … If you heat up something on a hot plate, the liquid is hot at the bottom. That makes the density of the liquid at the bottom become lower, which moves this portion of the liquid up, at the top the liquid becomes cooler, making the density higher, therefore gravity pulls it down, and so on” she explains.

Ebendorff-Heidepriem partnered with Flawless Photonics which designed and operates a fibre drawing device that squeezed all the necessary technology into a 0.8m-long box for the ISS.

In June, the more than 11km of fibre returned to Earth, intact. Now, work is underway at the University of Adelaide and at 5 other organisations around the world to determine how much of an impact gravity has on ZBLAN’s ability to transmit light. They are hoping to complete their analysis by December this year.

“We will see: is it better? Is it worse? Is it the same? And no matter what result we get, I think the biggest outcome is already achieved – we can make commercial lengths of optical fibres in space.”

https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/materials/space-fibres-down-to-earth/

A Resource for Up-to-the-Hour News about Hurricane Milton

Sometimes knowledge helps us cope with less stress. Plus, this is available on any device, as long as there is wifi or mobile data available. Which, tomorrow, may not be a thing for Scottie, Ron, and the kitties tomorrow and after, as well as any other readers in the vast path of Milton. But up till then, there is current info. It’s better on the page; I put a bit here so we can see what’s available. The time zone will be that of the person accessing the info; I’m in Central, so this shows Central. I learned Zulu time researching tornado formation! NWS uses Zulu, as well, but this page does show regular time.

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Tropical Weather Discussion
1205 UTC Tue Oct 8 2024

Hurricane Milton
Satellite | Buoys | Grids | Storm Archive…
TODAY IS THE LAST FULL DAY FOR FLORIDA RESIDENTS TO GET THEIR FAMILIES AND HOMES READY AND EVACUATE IF TOLD TO DO SO BY LOCAL OFFICIALS…

10:00 AM CDT Tue Oct 8
Location: 22.7°N 88.4°W
Moving: ENE at 9 mph
Min pressure: 929 mb
Max sustained: 150 mph

Public
Advisory
#14
1000 AM CDT

Forecast
Advisory
#14
1500 UTC

Forecast
Discussion
#14
1000 AM CDT

Wind Speed
Probabilities
#14
1500 UTC

NWS Local
Products
1133 AM EDT

US Watch/
Warning
1102 AM EDTProductos en español:

(más información)
Aviso
Publico
Pronóstico
Discusión

Wind Speed
Probabilities
Arrival Time
of Winds
Wind
History
Warnings/Cone
Interactive Map
Warnings/Cone
Static Images
Warnings and
Surface Wind
Key
Messages

Mensajes
Claves

Storm Surge
Inundation

Storm Surge
Watch/Warning

Peak
Surge

Rainfall
Potential

Flash Flooding
Potential

Peace & Justice History for 10/8:

https://www.peacebuttons.info/E-News/peacehistoryoctober.htm#october8

Q&A: How the UK became the first G7 country to phase out coal power

https://interactive.carbonbrief.org/coal-phaseout-UK/

Snippet:

By Molly Lempriere and Simon Evans

26 September 2024

The UK’s last coal-fired power plant, Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire, will close this month, ending a 142-year era of burning coal to generate electricity.

The UK’s coal-power phaseout is internationally significant.

It is the first major economy – and first G7 member – to achieve this milestone. It also opened the world’s first coal-fired power station in 1882, on London’s Holborn Viaduct.

From 1882 until Ratcliffe’s closure, the UK’s coal plants will have burned through 4.6bn tonnes of coal and emitted 10.4bn tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) – more than most countries have ever produced from all sources, Carbon Brief analysis shows.

The UK’s coal-power phaseout will help push overall coal demand to levels not seen since the 1600s.

The phaseout was built on four key elements.

First, the availability of alternative electricity sources, sufficient to meet and exceed rising demand.

Second, bringing the construction of new coal capacity to an end.

Third, pricing externalities, such as air pollution and carbon dioxide (CO2), thus tipping the economic scales in favour of alternatives.

Fourth, the government setting a clear phaseout timeline a decade in advance, giving the power sector time to react and plan ahead.

The UK’s experience, set out and explored in depth in this article, demonstrates that rapid coal phaseouts are possible – and could be replicated internationally.

As the UK aims to fully decarbonise its power sector by 2030, it has the challenge – and opportunity – of trying to build another case study for successful climate action.

(snip-MORE)

1 For Science on Monday

(I’ve been interested in stemming light pollution for a few years, now. I like this progress. -A)

The making of Australia’s first Dark Sky Community at Carrickalinga

Sharolyn Anderson, University of South Australia

In a world increasingly illuminated by artificial light, the beautiful night skies of a small coastal town in South Australia have attracted international recognition. Carrickalinga on the Fleurieu Peninsula is Australia’s first official Dark Sky Community. The title rewards a dedicated community effort to combat light pollution and preserve the natural environment at night.

The journey began three years ago when I was a PhD candidate at the Australian National University, working on the value of night skies. I was a regular visitor to Carrickalinga, but this time conversations at a picnic one evening turned to the clarity and brilliance of the stars. I was inspired to work with the locals to nominate Carrickalinga as a “Dark Sky Place”.

My recent research suggests restoring dark skies would be worth US$3.4 trillion (A$5.16 trillion) to the world, annually. That’s largely because light pollution is disrupting nocturnal pollinators, altering predator-prey interactions, and changing the behaviours of nocturnal species.

Light pollution has detrimental effects on wildlife, human health, and ecosystem functions and services. But there are simple solutions. By embracing responsible lighting practices, everyone can contribute to a healthier future in which the wonders of the night sky are accessible to all.

Understanding light pollution

Light pollution refers to human alteration of outdoor light levels. Excessive or misdirected artificial light brightens the night sky, diminishing our ability to see stars.

Research shows the problem is getting worse. Light pollution increased by 7–10% a year from 2011 to 2022. More than a third of people on Earth cannot see the Milky Way.

Light pollution not only affects our view of the cosmos, but also wastes energy and money, contributes to climate change and has significant repercussions for both ecological and human health.

Nocturnal animals such as bats and certain birds rely on darkness to navigate and find food. Insects, crucial for pollination and as a food source for other wildlife, are also affected. Artificial light at night is contributing to their decline.

In humans, studies have shown artificial light interferes with circadian rhythms, leading to sleep disorders and other health issues.

The global Dark Sky movement

DarkSky International, formerly known as the International Dark Sky Association, is a global network of volunteers combating light pollution. The non-profit organisation established in 1988 is based in Tuscon, Arizona in the United States. But more than 193,000 people across more than 70 countries are involved, including astronomers, environmental scientists and the public.

The International Dark Sky Places Program was born in 2001 when Flagstaff, Arizona was named the first International Dark Sky City. Now the program certifies five types of Dark Sky Places: sanctuaries, reserves, parks, communities, and urban night sky.

DarkSky says the aim is to “preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting”. It recognises places that demonstrate a commitment to reducing light pollution through public education, policy, and promoting responsible lighting practices.

There are now well over 200 Dark Sky Places across the globe. This covers more than 160,000 square kilometres in 22 countries on six continents.

Australia’s Dark Sky Places

Australia is home to several Dark Sky Places, each recognised for their exceptional night skies and dedication to reducing light pollution. These include:

1. Warrumbungle National Park (2016) – Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, near Coonabarabran in west-central New South Wales.

2. The Jump-Up (2019) – Dark Sky Sanctuary in Winton, western Queensland

3. River Murray (2019) – Dark Sky Reserve, including parts of South Australia’s Riverland

4. Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary (2023) – Dark Sky Sanctuary, northern Flinders Ranges, South Australia

5. Carrickalinga (2024) – Australia’s first Dark Sky Community, Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia

6. Palm Beach Headland (2024) – Australia’s first Urban Night Sky Place, outer Sydney, New South Wales.

Our journey in Carrickalinga

Since 2021, the Carrickalinga community has worked tirelessly towards achieving International Dark Sky Community certification. The journey involved several key initiatives:

Sky Quality Metering Program: regular measurements of sky brightness to monitor light pollution levels
Community engagement: presentations to community groups and the district council to raise awareness about light pollution, information stalls at local markets, community consultation process (led by the District Council of Yankalilla)
Educational materials: printed flyers, video, and a “Star Party” including a presentation on First Nations cosmology
Policy development: collaboration with the district council to create a lighting policy including public lighting design that complies with both Australian standards and DarkSky requirements.

Carrickalinga is currently upgrading existing public lighting to reduce light pollution. This will involve a new lighting design plan that reduces correlated colour temperature, ensuring shielded downward-facing lights minimise skyglow, glare and light trespass.

Reducing light pollution by upgrading lighting fixtures does not compromise safety. Dark sky does not mean dark ground.

Light pollution has become such a problem because our lights are unnecessarily bright and poorly designed. Fixing the problem simply involves changing the colour from white to amber, shielding and targeting lights so they do not shine upwards and outwards, and reducing wattage where it is surplus to requirements for people’s safety.

A photograph of an illuminated red frame that says "welcome! Carrickalinga". The night sky can be seen in the background. — Carrickalinga became Australia’s first International Dark Sky Community in May, 2024. Credit: The Backyard Universe

How you can help

Achieving and maintaining dark sky status is not difficult but it does require ongoing community effort. Here are the five principles for responsible outdoor lighting, which apply equally to domestic as well as public lighting:

Useful – use light only if it is needed and has a clear purpose
Targeted – direct light so it falls only where it is needed
Low light levels – light should be no brighter than necessary
Controlled – use light only when it is needed
Warm colours – use warm coloured lights wherever possible and avoid short-wavelength (blue–violet) light.

An inspirational journey

Achieving International Dark Sky Community status was a significant achievement in preserving the natural night environment and educating the local community about light pollution. This accomplishment demonstrates the power of community action and serves as a model for others.

By protecting our night skies, we safeguard a vital part of our natural and cultural heritage and also promote healthier ecosystems and communities. Carrickalinga’s journey serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through collective effort and dedication to preserving our planet’s natural beauty.

I would like to acknowledge the enormous contribution of Carrickalinga Dark Sky Community volunteer Sheryn Pitman, who works for Green Adelaide in the South Australian Department for Environment and Water, and helped write this article.

Sharolyn Anderson, Research scientist and Adjunct Associate Professor, University of South Australia

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

10 Unusual Objects Related to Presidents and Elections

The Smithsonian National Museum of American History houses thousands upon thousands of artifacts. Here are some of the more unusual items from their collection.

Don Vaughan

(And former Pres. McKinley is again a feature…)

Soap babies of Republican William McKinley and Democrat William Jennings Bryan from the 1896 election (The Smithsonian National Museum of American History)

The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. was formally established on August 10, 1845, and over the years has amassed more than 157 million items across 21 museums and galleries. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History houses artifacts related to national elections and the presidency. We offer a look at some of the most unusual.

All images courtesy of The Smithsonian Institution unless otherwise noted

1. Bandana Featuring Excerpts from George Washington’s Farewell Address

In which Washington encouraged all Americans to put aside regional and party divisions in support of the newly formed republic. Observed Washington, “Your Union ought to be considered as a main prop of your liberty, the love of the one ought to endear you to the preservation of the other.”

2. Presidential Hair Cabinet

John Varden, keeper of collections for the National Institute for the Promotion of Science at the U.S. Patent Office, began collecting locks of hair from prominent individuals in 1850 and quickly amassed a collection that included presidents, senators, artists, and other luminaries. Varden’s presidential hair collection includes strands from George Washington and Franklin Pierce.

(snip-MORE on the page; the photos are good.)

Danged Ants! 😏

Catastrophe might have created the first ant farms

October 4, 2024 Ariel Marcy

When an asteroid slammed into Earth 66 million years ago, it caused a mass extinction. Now researchers have evidence that this catastrophe ushered in the invention of agriculture by ants.

“Extinction events can be huge disasters for most organisms, but it can actually be positive for others,” says Ted Schultz, curator of ants at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and senior author of the paper. “At the end of the Cretaceous, dinosaurs did not do very well, but fungi experienced a heyday.”

What’s the link between fungi and ants?

Close up of a worker ant on top of a fungus farm — A worker ant of a fungus-farming species in Brazil. Credit: Don Parsons

The researchers propose this anti-culture heyday began with a cataclysmic collision that filled the atmosphere with debris and blocked out the sun, halting photosynthesis for years. As plants died en masse, they littered the ground with organic matter.

Fungi proliferated and ants ate the fungi for food. Some ants continued to eat fungi after Earth’s ecosystems rebounded and today more than 250 ant species have adapted and actively create conditions for fungus to thrive.

“Ants have been practicing agriculture and fungus farming for much longer than humans have existed,” says Schultz.

To pinpoint when this symbiotic interaction began, Schultz and colleagues amassed the largest genetic dataset of fungus-farming ants.

They also analysed the genetics of hundreds of fungi species, including those that are farmed by ants and their wild relatives.

Next, the team assembled evolutionary trees for both ants and fungi which revealed that farming ants and their fungus crops have been intertwined for 66 million years.

The data also revealed that “higher” forms of agriculture, where ants and fungi are completely reliant on one another, evolved around 27 million years ago. This coincided with a rapid global cooling event that fractured tropical environments. These changes led to ants cultivating a fungus outside its natural habitat.

“The ants domesticated these fungi in the same way that humans domesticated crops,” says Schultz. “What’s extraordinary is now we can date when the higher ants originally cultivated the higher fungi.”

Like humans, ant agriculturists have dealt with familiar challenges including the problems with monoculture and the trade-offs of selecting for higher food yields.

“We could probably learn something from the agricultural success of these ants over the past 66 million years,” says Schultz.