Ants have existed for 168 million years. Bees have existed for 130 million years. There are probably many reasons for this. Adaptation being an crucial one. But there is another very important factor as to why they have existed for so long-by contrast human beings have only existed for about 6 million years. If you think about it, each and every member of the colony or the hive has a job to do. And not just any job, but a job that helps to guarantee the survival of the colony or hive. Each being of the colony or hive has a critical purpose. Why have ants and bees been around for so long? The answer is abundantly clear: All work together so that everyone can survive.