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News Release 16-076

Researchers discover oldest evidence of 'farming' -- by insects

Oldest fossil evidence of agriculture, but not by humans

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A 25 million-year-old termite nest with the remains of a

A 25 million-year-old termite nest with the remains of a "fungus garden" preserved inside.

Credit: H. Hilbert-Worf, James Cook University


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A termite

A termite "fungus garden"; the darker layer was freshly added.

Credit: Judith Korb


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Map of the Great Rift Valley in East Africa with the Rukwa Rift study area highlighted.

Map of the Great Rift Valley in East Africa with the Rukwa Rift study area highlighted.

Credit: Eric Roberts, James Cook University


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A view of the Great Rift Valley, Rukwa Rift, in southwestern Tanzania.

A view of the Great Rift Valley, Rukwa Rift, in southwestern Tanzania.

Credit: Eric Roberts, James Cook University


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The researchers' field camp in the Rukwa Rift Basin in southwestern Tanzania.

The researchers' field camp in the Rukwa Rift Basin in southwestern Tanzania.

Credit: Patrick O'Connor, Ohio University


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The transition to fungiculture helped termites set up housekeeping in dry savannas.

The transition to fungiculture helped termites set up housekeeping in dry savannas.

Credit: Eric Roberts, James Cook University


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