Some activists tout these two studies as proof insects feel pain. ... But nociception is not pain. The current definition of pain requires an emotional response. Humans can feel pain without any physical stimulus and are capable of emotions associated with pain; like suffering and terror.May 25, 2013
Ants play an important role in the environment. Ants turn and aerate the soil, allowing water and oxygen to reach plant roots. Ants take seeds down into their tunnel to eat the nutritious elaiosomes that are part of the seed. These seeds often sprout and grow new plants (seed dispersal).
Ants have many such purposes. They clean up dead organisms as scavengers. Some species kill and eat other insects, so have some predation functions. Ants are also important food sources for some lizards, other insects, anteaters, and other organisms.