The genomic legacy of major human transitions in Mediterranean ants across history.

It is well-established that our species has profoundly shaped biodiversity, and irremediably altered biogeographic boundaries, following human migrations, technological advances and trade. Still, it remains unclear whether this represents a recent phenomenon only, or has been ongoing since the onset of farming, ~12,000 years ago. Many domestic and commensal species that spread with early farmers have today become integral to our daily lives, but less is known about non-model species providing ecosystem services such as ants. Ants were and are a dominant force in ecosystems where human societies developed, undoubtedly representing one of the strongest invaders linked to our historical practices. While they play vital roles in the environment, ants can also have harmful impacts on local habitats, human health and the economy. AntTRAILS will thus explore the history that we share with ants in the Mediterranean region, by investigating how one of the most widespread and synanthropic ant groups in the region responded to human-induced environmental changes over millennia. Integrating morphometry and whole genome sequencing I will first delimit the number of native cryptic species in the region, to subsequently uncover their ancestral distribution range. I will then combine cutting-edge methodologies in population genomics and spatial ecology to reveal how farming, historical trade, and human migrations altered ant biodiversity since the Neolithic Revolution. Comparing historical genomes retrieved from museum specimens to modern ant genomes, I will finally explore the most recent effects of globalisation and climate change on both native and invasive ant species. AntTRAILS will therefore map the anthropogenic impact across space and time, offering insights that will inform strategies for preserving biodiversity and managing invasive species in a rapidly changing world.