“As well as” is not equivalent to “and” in writing. It means “in addition to.”

Words joined by “and” have the same value. So,

Bees, ants, and flies help pollinate flowers in the garden.

Bobby, Tommy, and Ruth are going to college.

However, words joined by “as well as” have different values. So,

Bees, ants, and flies as well as regular rainfall help pollinate flowers in the garden.

(both these insects and rainfall do the job)

Bobby and Tommy as well as their teacher love chocolate ice cream.

He is a classical dancer as well as a skilled surgeon.

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