Demographic predisposition to the evolution of eusociality: A hierarchy of models

Gadagkar, Raghavendra (1991) Demographic predisposition to the evolution of eusociality: A hierarchy of models. In: Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, 88 (24). pp. 10993-10997.

PDF Demographic_predisposition_to_the_evolution_of_eusociality.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (1MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

I present a hierarchy ofmodels that illustrate, within the framework of inclusive fitness theory, how demographic factors can predispose a species to the evolution of eusociality. Delayed reproductive maturation lowers the inclusive fitness of a solitary foundress relative to that of a worker. Variation in age at reproductive maturity makes the worker strategy more profitable to some individuals than to others and thus predicts the coexistence of single-foundress and multiplefoundress nesting associations. Delayed reproductive maturation and variation in age at reproductive maturity also select for mixed reproductive strategies so that some individuals whose reproductive maturation is expected to be delayed can first act as workers and later switch over to the role of a queen or foundress. Assured fitness returns shows how identical mortality rates can have different consequences for workers and solitary nest foundresses because a solitary foundress will have to necessarily survive for the entire duration of development of her brood, whereas a worker can hope to get proportional fitness returns for short periods of work. In concert with assured fitness returns, delayed reproductive maturation and variation in age at reproductive maturity become more powerful in selecting for worker behavior, and mixed reproductive strategies become available to a wider range of individuals. These phenomena provide a consistently more powerful selective advantage for the worker strategy than do genetic asymmetries created by haplodiploidy.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences
Publisher:	National Academy of Sciences
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to National Academy of Sciences.
Keywords:	Altruism;Ropalidia;Demography;Assured fitness returns;Delayed reproductive maturation
Department/Centre:	Division of Physical & Mathematical Sciences > Centre for Theoretical Studies (Ceased to exist at the end of 2003) Division of Biological Sciences > Centre for Ecological Sciences
Date Deposited:	08 Jan 2007
Last Modified:	19 Sep 2010 04:33
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/9216

Actions (login required)

View Item