Final answer:
Freak is referring to the family of ants known as Formicidae, which are part of the larger order of insects, Hymenoptera, containing over 2,247 subspecies. Insects embody significant biological diversity, with millions of species, and are the predominant form of life on Earth.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Freak mentions the Formicidae, he is referring to a large family of insects that includes many species of ants. With over 2,247 known subspecies, Formicidae represent just a fraction of the insect diversity on our planet. Considering that insects as a whole make up more than half of all known organisms, with some estimates suggesting there could be over 10 million species, the scope of biodiversity within the insect world is staggering. Insects like bees, wasps, and ants are classified under the order Hymenoptera, which is what Freak is specifically talking about.
Insects are incredibly varied, with many adapted to specific environments or lifestyles. For example, some populations of insects can develop resistance to toxins like the Bt toxin produced by Bacillus thuringiensis, which is used as a biological pesticide. This is an example of natural selection at work, where traits beneficial for survival, such as toxin resistance, become more prevalent within a population over time. Additionally, insects form a substantial part of the diet for approximately two billion people globally, showcasing their significance in human nutrition and ecological systems.