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Why is eusociality an almost exclusively terrestrial phenomenon?

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ruxton2014janimecol1248.pdf (215.2Kb)
Date
11/2014
Author
Ruxton, G.D.
Humphries, S.
Morrell, L.J.
Wilkinson, D.M.
Keywords
Sociality
Social insects
Ants
Termites
Shrimp
QH301 Biology
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Abstract
Eusociality has evolved multiple times across diverse terrestrial taxa, and eusocial species fundamentally shape many terrestrial ecosystems. However, eusocial species are far less common and have much less ecological impact, in aquatic than terrestrial environments. Here, we offer a potential explanation for these observations. It appears that a precondition for the evolution of eusociality is the defence and repeated feeding of offspring in a nest or other protected cavity, and so eusocial species must be able to exploit a predator-safe, long-lasting (multigenerational) expandable nest. We argue that a range of factors mean that opportunities for such nests are much more widespread and the advantages more compelling in terrestrial than aquatic ecosystems.
Citation
Ruxton , G D , Humphries , S , Morrell , L J & Wilkinson , D M 2014 , ' Why is eusociality an almost exclusively terrestrial phenomenon? ' , Journal of Animal Ecology , vol. 83 , no. 6 , pp. 1248-1255 . https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.12251
Publication
Journal of Animal Ecology
Status
Peer reviewed
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.12251
ISSN
0021-8790
Type
Journal article
Rights
© 2014, Publisher / the Author(s). This work is made available online in accordance with the publisher’s policies. This is the author created, accepted version manuscript following peer review and may differ slightly from the final published version. The final published version of this work is available at onlinelibrary.wiley.com / https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.12251
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  • University of St Andrews Research
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10023/7819

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